Full Text Citations For
Award ofThe Distinguished Service Cross U.S.
Army Recipients - Vietnam

S

To
All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:

This is
to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Takes Pride in Presenting

THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
to

SABALAUSKI,
WALTER JAMESCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Walter James Sabalauski (RA36034325),
First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection
with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d
Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. First
Sergeant Sabalauski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions during the period 9 to 11 June 1966 while participating in a
blocking operation near Dak To. When the Viet Cong occupied jungle
suddenly erupted with intense hostile fire from three directions,
First Sergeant Sabalauski, realizing that the company commander could
not possibly control all the elements in the thick bamboo growth and
50 foot canopies, rallied and directed the beleaguered troops in an
attempt to gain fire superiority. With complete disregard for his
safety, First Sergeant Sabalauski dashed from position to position and
repeatedly exposed himself to muster his unit and quell the hostile
fire. As the Viet Cong assaulted the perimeter, First Sergeant
Sabalauski quickly organized an assault line and delivered suppressive
fire onto the fanatical Viet Cong. After dashing to the rear of the
perimeter and observing that the insurgents were surrounding his
company, he exposed himself and screamed orders to form a tight
defensive perimeter. Although artillery was called in as close as 25
meters from the friendly force and air strikes devastated the jungle
around the perimeter, the determined Viet Cong continued to advance.
When the company commander called in air strikes on his own position
as a last resort, First Sergeant Sabalauski remained on his feet to
control the beleaguered paratroopers. For 30 hours, he continued to
dash from one side of the perimeter to the other to direct and
encourage his men. Although he was wounded himself, First Sergeant
Sabalauski aided his wounded comrades, comforted the dying, and
continued to direct his men. When reinforcements arrived and a hasty
perimeter was again set up, he fearlessly moved forward of the
perimeter and retrieved a dead comrade. After a 1,000 meter move to an
evacuation point, First Sergeant Sabalauski personally supervised the
extraction of the wounded and dead. Through his courage and
outstanding leadership throughout the long and perilous battle, he
contributed immeasurable to the defeat of the determined Viet Cong.
First Sergeant Sabalauski's extraordinary heroism in close combat
against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5821 (September 27, 1966)
Born: at Lithuania

*SABEL, JOEL MICHAELCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joel Michael Sabel
(RA19848614), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Specialist Four Sabel
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July
1967 while serving as a medic of an Airborne infantry company on a
combat mission deep in hostile territory. When his company came under
heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy
force, Specialist Sabel repeatedly ignored his own safety to move
among his wounded comrades to treat them. Seriously wounded himself,
he refused medical aid and instructed others in treating the injured
while he bandaged his own wounds. He continued to expose himself to
the withering hostile fire while rendering constant aid to others
despite his own injuries. With mortar and automatic weapons falling
around him, he never stopped to consider his own welfare. He was
mortally wounded while bravely caring for the needs of his comrades in
the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Sabel's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4663 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: West Covina, California

SACKETT, WILLIAM P.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to William P. Sackett (US56722289),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
B, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist
Four Sackett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions
on 30 November 1968 while serving as fire team leader on a combat
mission in Long An Province. When his platoon became stalemated in a
fierce exchange of fire with a hostile force, Specialist Sackett
immediately began moving through the embattled area to direct return
fire and prevent disorganization among the novice members of the
platoon. As he approached one of his positions, an enemy hand grenade
landed near four of his comrades. He instantly scooped up the device,
turned his back to shield his fellow soldiers, and tossed the grenade
back to the enemy. Although the grenade exploded in mid-air wounding
him with fragmentation, he, without hesitation, proceeded to assist
the only other wounded man through the hostile barrage to an
evacuation point. Refusing evacuation himself, he returned to the
contact area to assist his platoon in the prolonged battle. Specialist
Four Sackett's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2219 (June 24, 1969)

*SANCHEZ, THOMAS JOSEPHCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Joseph Sanchez
(RA19452350), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Detachment A-108, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special
Forces. Master Sergeant Sanchez distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 6 March 1966 while serving as Special Forces
advisor to a Vietnamese reaction unit during the rescue of an ambushed
combat patrol near Minh Long. When radio contact with American
advisors in the patrol was lost, Sergeant Sanchez unhesitatingly
volunteered to fly into the battle torn area to search for the men. He
found thirty Vietnamese survivors near the point of conflict and
hastily organized them to secure a landing zone for the infiltration
of reinforcements. When 28 more troops landed, Sergeant Sanchez
deployed the men and moved toward the ambush site. Contemptuous of the
threat of another attack, he took the point position and led his men
in a rigorous search of the area. The unit was hit by heavy fire after
moving less than 500 meters. Sergeant Sanchez hastily led the force
out of range of the hostile weapons. He then noticed the absence of an
American advisor and two Vietnamese sergeants. Fearlessly ignoring the
constant fire around him, he reentered the killing zone alone to find
the lost men. Although he was observed being wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to search for the men. Sergeant Sanchez was last
seen firing furiously at the Viet Cong, while making a last, gallant
effort to reach his comrades. Master Sergeant Sanchez' extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1731 (April 15, 1967)
Home Town: Pasadena, California

SANDERS, HORACE G.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Horace G. Sanders, First Lieutenant
(Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery
C, 7th Battalion, 9th Artillery, 5th Field Artillery Group. First
Lieutenant Sanders distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions while serving as executive officer when his battery came under
intense mortar, rocket and ground attack on 18 May 1969. As the enemy
forces began their assault against the northeast perimeter, Lieutenant
Sanders moved to the first howitzer section to supervise the direct
fixing of his high-explosive and beehive rounds on the charging force.
Although severely wounded when the howitzer section received
rocket-propelled grenade fire, he directed those men who could to
withdraw to the second howitzer position where they continued to fire
on the enemy. After establishing strong retaliatory fire, Lieutenant
Sanders then returned on four different occasions to the first
howitzer section to retrieve wounded personnel. When a heavy enemy
barrage fatally wounded a man near the second howitzer position,
Lieutenant Sanders, unaware that the man was fatally wounded, ran into
the hostile fusillade to bring him to safety. Throughout the ensuing
battle he continued to move from position to position encouraging him
men and directing their return fire. On being notified that
concentrated hostile fire was coming from a building near the battery,
he moved to the fifth howitzer section to direct fire on the building,
causing several secondary explosions. First Lieutenant Sanders'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 105 (January 12, 1970)

SANDERS, JAMES R., JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James R. Sanders, Jr., Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion,
1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Captain
Sanders distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19
and 20 March 1969 as company commander during an assault on Hill 187
near Tien Phuoc. As the lead element neared the crest of the hill, the
well-entrenched enemy opened up with automatic weapons and grenade
fire. Captain Sanders quickly organized an on-line assault to distract
the enemy while the wounded were safely evacuated. Realizing that
without additional support his men could not penetrate the hostile
fortifications, he ordered a withdrawal. He then stormed the hill
alone, killed one communist soldier and recovered several weapons left
by his casualties. While returning to the rallying point, he sustained
a fragmentation wound in his knee. Refusing medical aid he proceeded
to call in gun ship air strikes and bombing runs on the enemy bunker
complex. On 20 March Captain Sanders and his men quickly routed the
enemy and secured the mountain fortress. When the hostile forces
launched a counter-mortar attack on his company, Captain Sanders
directed suppressive artillery fire on suspected enemy positions and
constantly exposed himself to the hail of incoming mortar rounds to
aid and evacuate the wounded. Captain Sander's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2470 (July 9, 1969)

*SANDERSON, JACK JOHNSTONECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Johnstone Sanderson
(RA11644077), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry,
9th Infantry Division. Private First Class Sanderson distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968 while
serving as a medical aidman during a reconnaissance-in-force mission
near Tan Tru. As his platoon approached a dense woodline it came under
a sudden barrage of hostile fire. Two of his comrades were wounded and
fell in an area completely exposed to the enemy gunners. Private
Sanderson courageously moved forward through the fusillade to one of
the casualties and, in full view of the communists' emplacement, began
to administer first aid. When the man died in spite of his efforts,
Private Sanderson, disregarding his safety, charged across the open
rice paddy to where the other injured soldier lay. While he was
treating this man, an element from his platoon moved to engage the
enemy bunker and was fired upon from a previously undetected position,
resulting in several more wounded. Once again he braved the hostile
fire and went to their aid. As he went from man to man, searching for
survivors, he was seriously wounded by enemy rifle fire. Despite sever
pain and rapid loss of blood, he managed to drag himself up to the
last soldier. Finding that none of the men were alive, he started
crawling back to his unit's location, but died from his wounds before
he reached safety. Private First Class Sanderson's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 473 (February 11, 1969)
Home Town: Warsaw, New York

*SANTA CRUZ, JOSE ANGELCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jose Angel Santa Cruz
(527-78-4025), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Private
First Class Santa Cruz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 1 February 1970 while serving as a member of an ambush
patrol in Tay Ninh Province. Private Santa Cruz and his comrades were
attempting to make contact with hostile forces when enemy movement was
detected a short distance from the patrol. Private Santa Cruz and his
platoon leader immediately advanced toward the enemy troops in an
effort to surprise them. Suddenly, Private Santa Cruz observed an
enemy trooper toss a grenade toward his platoon leader. Without
hesitation, Private Santa Cruz threw his body between his comrade and
the grenade, thus shielding him from the ensuing blast. Although
Private Santa Cruz was killed instantly, his unselfish action saved
the life of his comrade. Private First Class Santa Cruz's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3188 (July 13, 1970)
Home Town: Glendale, Arizona

*SANZONE, ROBERT BENJAMIN (MIA)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Benjamin Sanzone
(US51579676), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
Sergeant Sanzone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as squad leader with a weapons
platoon during a search and destroy mission in Pleiku Province.
Sergeant Sanzone's platoon was sent 200 meters forward of his company
to provide security for the main force. Before the men had a chance to
position themselves, they received intense rifle and machine gun fire.
Sergeant Sanzone was hit five or six times immediately, but ignored
the pain to direct his squad in placing a base of effective fire on
the Viet Cong. Five insurgents tried to attack his position, but he
killed them with his rifle. Later, another ten tried to overrun his
perimeter sector, and he stopped them with both grenade and rifle
fire. When fellow patrol members tried to reach cover in a river bed,
Sergeant Sanzone disregarded his own safety and exposed himself to the
enemy to draw their fire. He continuously crawled from one friendly
casualty to another to treat their wounds and to help them reach
covered positions. Although weakened by his wounds, he continued to
repel the insurgents. Seeing a swarm of Viet Cong storm the friendly
line again, Sergeant Sanzone charged them, firing his rifle on full
automatic. He was mortally wounded in this valiant attempt to protect
his comrades. Sergeant Sanzone's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3828 (July 26, 1967)
Home Town: Levittown, New York

*SARACINO, FRANK DEPAUL, JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frank DePaul Saracino,
Jr. (RA16918149), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant Saracino
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 March
1969 as a squad leader during a mission to assess the damage done by a
B-52 bomber strike seven miles northwest of Dau Tieng. Sergeant
Saracino was serving as point man when his platoon came upon the
bunkers of a base camp occupied by a North Vietnamese Army battalion.
Motioning for the other men to take cover, he single-handedly
assaulted the first position and destroyed it with a hand grenade. He
then led his troops further into the fortified area, shooting and
killing two communists whom he spotted trying to escape from a second
fortification. The platoon continued to advance, but suddenly became
pinned down by machine gun and antitank rocket fire. Exposing himself
to the hail of bullets, Sergeant Saracino placed suppressive fire on
the enemy which enabled his comrades to withdraw and remained behind
until they had all reached a more secure location. After three air
strikes were directed against the enemy base camp, he again led his
men forward and made another one-man assault against a bunker, killing
its two occupants with hand grenades. As he was starting toward
another stronghold, a heavy caliber machine gun started to fire on the
platoon. Seeing that several of his men were exposed to the deadly
fusillade, he attempted to save them by engaging the hostile position
and drawing its fire to himself. While attempting to throw a hand
grenade at the machine gun emplacement, he was killed by the enemy
barrage. Sergeant Saracino's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1724 (May 14, 1969)
Home Town: Fort Collins, Colorado

*SAUBLE, THOMAS EUGENECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Eugene Sauble
(0-4005263), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Advisory Team 1, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
Captain Sauble distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions
on 13 March 1967 while serving as an advisor to the Hieu Nhon
Sub-Sector Headquarters when it was attacked by elements of a North
Vietnamese battalion. Slightly wounded when he was blown from his bunk
by the initial mortar barrage, Captain Sauble dauntlessly moved to his
defensive position outside the advisory team quarters. Moving about
the bunker directing the defense and calling for ammunition, he
repeatedly exposed himself to better engage the enemy. Captain
Sauble's accurate return fire and aggressive example inspired his
comrades as they prevented the insurgents from overrunning their
emplacement on the first attack. Once the bunker became untenable, he
fearlessly covered the withdrawal of the other team members into the
building, and then assumed an open position on the porch. Contemptuous
of the enemy fire striking around him, he fired his carbine into the
charging North Vietnamese. When one of the advisors was thrown from
the structure by an explosion, Captain Sauble pulled the man to safety
and resumed his gallant stand. Even after being fatally wounded, he
fell to a sitting position and continued to fight until succumbing to
his wounds. His boundless courage and resolute determination were
instrumental in breaking the hostile attack and saving the lives of
his fellow soldiers. Captain Sauble's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2001 (May 2, 1967)
Home Town: York, Pennsylvania

*SAULS, ROBERT NEDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Ned Sauls
(W-2217750), Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 8th Battalion, 26th Artillery,
254th Field Artillery Detachment, I Field Force. Chief Warrant Officer
Sauls distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 23
February to 10 March 1969 as commander of his radar detachment at Fire
Support Base Twelve, near Ben Het, during a siege of the base by North
Vietnamese forces equipped with mortars, cannons, automatic weapons
and small arms. Exposing himself to the barrage, Mister Sauls located
many enemy firing emplacements both visually and by using radar. On
six occasions he braved the intense fire to assist in evacuating
casualties and frequently directed gun ships against the communists'
locations. When the bombardment began on 23 February, he went to the
area under heaviest attack where he manned a mortar and machine gun
position, and when the need arose drove his jeep through the hail of
fire to obtain ammunition. On 27 February and 1 March he received
fragment wounds from incoming mortar rounds. Seeing a bunker take a
direct hit on 6 March, he repeatedly entered the burning structure to
remove casualties, weapons and ammunition. While monitoring the
Special Forces' communication network on 10 March, Mister Sauls heard
that a friendly element had received heavy casualties. He
unhesitatingly drove to the site and found a seriously wounded soldier
lying in the road. Braving enemy rounds which were impacting within
twenty yards, he helped move the man to the safety of a trench and
treated his wounds. He then went to a severely injured Vietnamese
officer and was administering first aid when a hostile round struck
nearby, fatally wounding him. Chief Warrant Officer Sauls'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1556 (May 2, 1969)
Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia

SAVAGE, CLYDE E.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Clyde E. Savage (RA14746198), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Savage was serving as squad leader in
the 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile), on 14 November 1965, when it was attacked by a
hostile force which consisted of approximately two companies. As an
offensive measure, Sergeant Savage led his squad and attacked one of
the hostile squads. During the attack, the bulk of the hostile force
hit them. He immediately pulled his men in tight and succeeded in
inflicting numerous casualties on the insurgent force. The rest of the
platoon was also under intense fire and had to take a defensive
position on a nearby knoll. During the fierce battle that followed,
Sergeant Savage saved the lives of three comrades who had been wounded
by killing three insurgents who had maneuvered to within ten meters of
their position. The platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and weapon's
squad leader were mortally wounded, at which time Sergeant Savage
assumed command. With most of the men either dead or wounded and being
completely surrounded, the platoon continued holding off the
insurgents for twenty-six hours. Sergeant Savage courageously called
in supporting artillery fire to within fifty meters of their positions
during the night. The following morning he shot over thirty of the
insurgents during the bitter fight. His leadership during the battle
influenced his men to hold out until reinforcements relieved them.
Sergeant Savage's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 195 (February 1966)

*SCARBOROUGH, EDMUND BAGWELCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edmund Bagwel
Scarborough (OF-105268), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action on 10 May 1968 while serving as
Commanding Officer, Company C, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th
Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, in Gia Dinh Province, Republic of
Vietnam. While in contact with an enemy force of battalion strength,
Captain Scarborough's company and another company to his front were
halted by a devastating crossfire. Captain Scarborough was ordered to
pass through the now-beleaguered lead company and maneuver against the
enemy's flank. He immediately organized his mechanized assault and
positioned himself in an extremely exposed location from which he
could control the advance. Although the enemy force immediately
engaged the advancing element with antitank rockets, small arms and
automatic weapons fire, Captain Scarborough continued to lead his men,
direct the fire of all available weapons and maintain the advance.
Realizing the psychological value of Captain Scarborough's exceptional
leadership, the enemy began to concentrate all of their firepower at
his position. Captain Scarborough continued his utter disregard for
his personal safety and remained exposed, directing the consolidation
and supporting fires until he was fatally wounded by the concentrated
enemy fire. As a direct result of Captain Scarborough's courage the
enemy lost 26 KIAs, 3 POWs and 7 weapons were captured. Captain
Scarborough's professional competence, grim determination and personal
example inspired his men to victory and reflects the utmost credit
upon himself and the United States Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 80 (December 16, 1968)
Home Town: Belle Haven, Virginia

SCHER,
DONALD M.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Donald M. Scher (0-89593), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion,
12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Captain Scher
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 November
1967 as commanding officer of an infantry company during the battle at
Dak To. While advancing up hill 1338, his unit was hit by a
devastating mortar and automatic weapons barrage from an enemy force
occupying well concealed positions. Captain Scher quickly deployed his
men in a defensive position and maneuvered through a hail of bullets
and shrapnel to direct their fire on the hostile fortifications.
Moving to the front of his men, he led them inch by inch up the hill
into an intense enemy fusillade. He called for artillery and air
strikes when the North Vietnamese firepower prevented further
advancement. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he stood up
and directed the ordinance on enemy bunkers and trenched. Captain
Scher resumed his ground assault as the strikes lifted. Despite the
renewed North Vietnamese barrage, he moved back and forth across the
hillside, encouraging his men's advance and treating casualties. One
wounded soldier was pinned down in the open by relentless fire.
Captain Scher crawled to his aid, skillfully administering treatment
to the man and carried him to safety. Exposing himself to enemy
weapons time after time, he pressed his company's assault, overran the
crest of the hill, and routed the hostile forces. Captain Scher's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2017 (1968)
Home Town: Fort Dix, New Jersey

SCHLOTTMAN, JAMESCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James Schlottman (0-5419228), First
Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A,
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First
Lieutenant Schlottman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
action on 2 October 1966 while serving as aerial artillery observer
during a search and destroy mission near Ngot Bay. As his helicopter
surveyed a hostile position, Lieutenant Schlottman spotted an
insurgent running from the area, landed, and captured the man. Later,
an infantry platoon made contact with insurgents in a nearby village.
He directed the pilot to hover at 20 feet over the enemy and, despite
a constant hail of hostile machine gun fire, he kept the Viet Cong
under grenade and rifle fire for one hour. As a Viet Cong rifleman
fired directly at his door gunner, Lieutenant Schlottman stepped into
the line of fire and killed the insurgent with a single shot. When his
helicopter landed to pick up a seriously wounded medic, Lieutenant
Schlottman fearlessly jumped from the helicopter and charged a machine
gun position. Using only his pistol, he was able to silence one
weapon. Hostile fire so damaged the aircraft as it took off, that the
pilot could fly it only 150 meters. Determined to continue the
destruction of the enemy, Lieutenant Schlottman ran from the
helicopter onto the battlefield with a radio and guided artillery
strikes on the Viet Cong positions. First Lieutenant Schlottman's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2379 (May 25, 1967)

SCHOCH, NICHOLAS W.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Nicholas W. Schoch, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion,
187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four
Schoch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during
the period 10 to 18 May 1969 while serving as a medical aidman during
a mission to capture the enemy citadel of Dong Ap Bia Mountain. On 10
May his company engaged an entrenched North Vietnamese force, and
Specialist Schoch rushed to the area of fiercest conflict and began to
administer medical aid to the wounded. Once, he moved to aid three
seriously wounded men lying in an area completely devoid of cover.
While treating one of the men, he became the target of a sniper in a
nearby tree. Taking the weapon of the man he was treating, he killed
the sniper. On 13 May his unit assaulted the enemy stronghold and
again came under heavy concentration of hostile fire. As Specialist
Schoch was applying first aid to the wounded of the lead element, the
medical aidman of another platoon sustained serious wounds and could
not breathe. Braving hostile fire, he skillfully performed a
tracheotomy on his wounded comrade who resumed breathing and was
evacuated. Later as he was treating a casualty, an enemy fragmentation
grenade fell near him and the wounded man. He instantly grabbed the
grenade and threw it into a nearby bomb crater and then eliminated the
enemy soldier who had thrown the device. After completing treatment,
he carried the American to a landing zone for evacuation. On the
following day, Specialist Schoch treated and evacuated four wounded
soldiers who had been well forward in a maneuver toward the summit of
the mountain. On 15 May, as the battle for the hill still raged, a
helicopter carrying ammunition was downed by hostile fire. Despite the
fact that the burning aircraft might explode at any moment, Specialist
Schoch ran to the wreckage and retrieved an unconscious survivor and
carried him through a barrage of sniper fire to safety where he
administered first aid, saving the man's life. For the remainder of
the day and until 18 May, he took charge of medical treatment and
evacuation on the emergency landing zone. Specialist Four Schoch's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 133 (1970)
Home Town: St. Helena, California

SCHOLTUS, DAVIDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to David Scholtus, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion,
1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Scholtus
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 July
1969 when his company and a sister unit became pinned down by heavy
fire from a well-entrenched enemy force. Despite the support of
gunship and tactical air strikes, the two infantry companies were
unable to gain ground or dislodge the enemy from their positions.
Directing his squad to place down a heavy base of fire, Specialist
Scholtus rushed across thirty meters of open terrain to engage an
enemy position. Although subjected to intense volumes of hostile fire,
he destroyed the enemy emplacement with rifle fire and hand grenades.
He then maneuvered under fire to within twenty feet of a second enemy
position. After hurling a grenade to suppress the defenders' fire, he
charged the emplacement and silenced its occupants. The stalemate
broken by his bold actions, the infantry companies were now free to
advance and sweep over the enemy force. Specialist Four Scholtus'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3906 (October 18, 1969)

*SCHROEDER, DONALD BENJAMINCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Donald Benjamin Schroeder (0-70498),
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry,
1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August
1968 while elements of his battalion were in heavy contact with a Viet
Cong main force battalion near Can Ciuoc. He used his own command and
control helicopter, in the midst of heavy enemy fire, to illuminate
the landing zone for one element's insertion when a flare ship was
forced to leave the battle because of a fuel shortage. After
determining that it would be approximately twenty minutes before his
men could complete their encirclement of the enemy and that the
communists would quickly use a gap between two of his companies as an
escape route, Colonel Schroeder ordered his pilot to land. With two
other men, he stationed himself in the center of the unguarded area
and began firing on the communists, who almost immediately began to
probe his position. He successfully prevented their escape for thirty
minutes until reinforcements arrived. As the battle progressed the
Viet Cong threatened to penetrate another area. Colonel Schroeder
unhesitantly moved across two fire-swept rice paddies to the
endangered location. With complete disregard for his safety, he began
positioning troops to meet the threatened breakout and remained in the
front line directing his units' maneuvers until the enemy attempt was
repelled. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4042 (October 31, 1968)
Home Town: Clearmont, Wyoming

*SCHUBERT, JOEL LUTHERCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joel Luther Schubert
(RA28153264), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division. Private First Class Schubert distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 24 October 1967 while serving as
senior medical aidman to an infantry company conducting a search and
destroy operation deep in enemy territory. As the company was moving
through thick jungle underbrush, the lead element was savagely
attacked by a well camouflaged Viet Cong squad, and suffered several
wounded troops. When he heard their urgent pleas for medical aid,
Private Schubert, without hesitation, rushed to treat his stricken
comrades. Despite the intensity of the hostile fire, he courageously
moved through the bullet swept area to within fifteen meters of a Viet
Cong emplacement and administered first aid to a seriously injured
soldier. While treating the casualty, Private Schubert was wounded by
a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. Despite his wound, he
gallantly began moving from one casualty to the next, applying his
skill until he had expended his medical supplies. He then crawled back
to the friendly positions, resupplied himself and returned to continue
his lifesaving mission amid the hail of enemy bullets. He received a
mortal wound as he feverishly treated his fallen comrades. Private
First Class Schubert's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at
the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 6442 (December 14, 1967)
Home Town: San Francisco, California

*SCHULTZ,
ROBERT WILLIAMCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert William Schultz
(RA17636005), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry,
9th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Schultz distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as squad leader of a
mechanized infantry platoon on a combat mission in the village of Ho
Nai. His squad and other members of the platoon became isolated and
encircled by a numerically superior force firing recoilless rifles,
machine guns, and automatic weapons. The troops on the ground were
immediately pinned down by the savage fusillade and Sergeant Schultz'
armored personnel carrier was forced to halt. To relive the pressure
on his comrades he leaped from the vehicle and assaulted an enemy
machine gun nest, single-handedly destroying it and its occupants.
Although seriously wounded, he again disregarded his safety and
unleashed another personal attack on a second machine gun position.
Hurling grenades as he charged through a curtain of hostile fire,
Sergeant Schultz killed the entire gun crew. He was mortally wounded
while gallantly defending his fellow soldiers in the heat of battle.
Staff Sergeant Schultz' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at
the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1599 (April 9, 1968)
Home Town: Clinton, Iowa

SCHUNGEL, DANIEL F.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel F. Schungel (0-65286),
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
C, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Lieutenant
Colonel Schungel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 6 and 7 February 1968 as the commander of the Special
Forces camp at Lang Vei. A North Vietnamese Army force launched an
armor-supported ground assault on the camp under cover of intense
mortar, artillery and rocket fire. When the enemy tanks broke through
the defensive wire of the camp, Colonel Schungel, disregarding the
heavy volume of incoming artillery rounds, moved outside the command
bunker to personally organize and lead a tank killer team in a fierce
counterattack on the enemy armor. He moved through the intense and
accurate fire from the tanks' coaxial machine guns and personally
destroyed one of them with a light anti-tank weapon. When three
occupants of the tank emerged from the turret, he engaged them in
close combat and killed all three. As the determined enemy began an
assault on the command bunker, he directed all personnel in the area
to take cover while he remained behind to provide covering fire. He
was wounded by the blast from an exploding round which hit the barrier
he was using for a shield. He then sought safety for himself, carrying
a wounded comrade with him. When air strikes had momentarily silenced
the enemy guns, he led his men from the bunker where they had taken
cover to a safe area. Lieutenant Colonel Schungel's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4107 (August 26, 1968)

SCHWEITZER, ROBERT L.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Schweitzer (0-77192),
Lieutenant Colonel (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Infantry Division.
Lieutenant Colonel Schweitzer distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 11 December 1966 while serving as aerial observer
during the defense of the village of Tam Da. Colonel Schweitzer
received word that a Viet Cong battalion was approaching the small
village and hastened to intercept the enemy. Ignoring intense fire
aimed at his aircraft, he had its pilot fly low over the insurgents to
accurately determine their size and deployment. Then, as his pilot
landed inside the hamlet, he radioed for infantry troops and artillery
and air fire support. Colonel Schweitzer alerted the hamlet's troops
and gathered civilians into bunkers just before the Viet Cong struck
with devastating force. When friendly artillery rounds began coming
in, he left the village to guide the strikes from the air. Two
insurgents were noticed, at this time, running from a concealed tunnel
entrance. Colonel Schweitzer killed both of them with a rapid burst of
fire, then landed to investigate the tunnel. Fearlessly probing the
underground passages alone, he discovered and disarmed four booby
traps before coming upon three insurgents in a hollowed out chamber.
In the brief fight, he killed two of them and captured one. After
mining the tunnels for destruction, he re-boarded his helicopter with
the prisoner and intelligence materials. Colonel Schweitzer the
continued surveillance of the Viet Cong forces, repeatedly exposing
himself to hostile fire to discover hostile maneuvers. Through his
brilliant direction, the American forces and firepower were able to
decisively rout the large Viet Cong unit and save the village of Tam
Da. Lieutenant Colonel Schweitzer's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2059 (May 5, 1967)

*SCHWELLENBACH, GARY RALPHCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gary Ralph Schwellenbach
(RA18907134), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving as a platoon aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne),
503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. On 27 December 1967, during a
heliborne assault into an enemy held landing zone, Corporal
Schwellenbach's unit was taken under heavy enemy automatic weapons and
sniper fire. Although seriously wounded shortly after arriving on the
landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach continued to aid the wounded.
With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved among the wounded
in the open area of the landing zone which was receiving the most
intense enemy fire. Moving his comrades t cover he was wounded a
second time. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued his
mission. He received a third and fatal wound while administering aid
to a wounded man. The actions of Corporal Schwellenbach saved the
lives of many wounded troopers and his indomitable spirit encourage
all who witnessed his acts. Corporal Schwellenbach's conspicuous
gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, at the cost of his
life, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and
reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the armed forces of his
country.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 57 (October 17, 1968)
Home Town: Chico, California

*SCIBILIA,
ROBERT PETERCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Peter Scibilia
(001-38-1766), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company B, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Scibilia distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 23 May 1969 while serving as a rifleman during a
reconnaissance-in-force operation near My Tho in Kien Hoa Province.
After the company had been inserted into the area, the enemy unleashed
a barrage so intense that the unit was forced to withdraw and regroup.
Armed with several M-72 light anti-tank weapons, grenades, and his
rifle, Specialist Scibilia crawled toward the entrenched enemy and
then stood to accurately fire his M-72 and silence the position. He
then directed his fire against another fortification, eliminating the
position and advancing against yet another which he destroyed with two
hand grenades. Although wounded during this last action, he continued
to press his attack until he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four
Scibilia's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3292 (August 26, 1969)
Home Town: Nashua, New Hampshire

SCOTT,
JAMES A., IIICitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Scott, III (0-93930), Captain
(Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 92d Assault Helicopter
Company, 10th Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group,
1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Scott distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 3 February 1968 as the team leader
of an aerial fire team supporting ground operations in Dalat. The
ground forces encountered heavy enemy fire which halted their advance,
and Captain Scott made repeated low-level passes over the battle area
to pinpoint the insurgents' positions. His aircraft was riddled by the
fire directed at it, but he succeeded in locating targets for his team
and led it in an attack on the enemy emplacements. He then flew to a
nearby airfield to rearm and refuel his craft. The field was under
mortar attack, and Captain Scott had to replenish his ship amid a hail
of shrapnel. As he once more orbited the city looking for trouble
spots, his helicopter received enemy anti-aircraft fire and he was
wounded. Captain Scott found the source of the fire and again led his
team in the attack. As his aircraft broke away from the target, it was
struck again by the murderous enemy fusillade and the tail rotor
control cables were severed. Despite the tremendous handicap, Captain
Scott ski fully maneuvered his crippled ship into position for yet
another attack on the enemy position. When he was unable to maintain
positive control over his helicopter, he nursed it to the airfield
once more and executed a successful emergency landing. Captain
Scott's' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service reflecting great
credit on him and the U.S. Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3477 (July 19, 1968)

SCOTT, JON E.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Jon E. Scott, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry
Division. Sergeant Scott distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 5 November 1969 while serving as squad leader with
a reconnaissance patrol during an operation southwest of Landing Zone
Tape. Hearing enemy movement in the distance, the patrol proceeded to
the area from which the sounds came and there discovered as enemy base
camp situated in four natural caves. As the surprised enemy scurried
for their cave fortifications, the patrol took them under fire and
succeeded in capturing one of the enemy. From the caves the enemy
responded with heavy automatic weapons fire. Seeing one enemy soldier
run into a cave alone, Sergeant Scott approached the cave, entered,
and captured the surprised enemy. Sergeant Scott then turned his
attention to the other caves. Under continuous and intense fire, he
maneuvered to the openings of the caves one by one and hurled hand
grenades inside. At the mouth of the largest cave, from which the
heaviest enemy fire was coming, Sergeant Scott tossed grenades within
and killed one enemy soldier. He then rushed inside the cave to engage
the remaining defenders and was severely wounded in a barrage of
automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Scott's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 875 (April 15, 1970)
Home Town: Glenhaven, California

*SEE, OTTO WILLIAMCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Otto William See
(RA13704655), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant
First Class See distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 11 March 1968 while serving as the observer on the lead
ship of an aero-scout team reconnoitering an area in Quang Tri
Province suspected to contain an enemy regimental headquarters. After
locating the communists' barracks, the team called in armed
helicopters which fired rockets into the buildings. As the scout ships
returned to the area to assess the damage, they and the troop
commander's helicopter came under intense automatic weapons fire. The
troop commander and his pilot were wounded, and their craft crashed.
Sergeant See immediately volunteered to attempt a rescue. Because his
helicopter was unable to land near the crash site, he jumped from its
skid as it hovered over the wreckage. The downed craft had begun to
burn, and its still running engine was spewing fuel on the spreading
flames. Sergeant See climbed inside the ship and pulled the wounded
out one at a time. As he started to carry the casualties up a ravine
for extraction by a waiting aircraft, a North Vietnamese company began
to advance on his position to cut off his maneuver. Armed only with a
pistol, he returned their fire while continuing to assist the injured
up the hill. Upon reaching the landing zone, he put the casualties
safely aboard the ship and remained behind with some of its crew
members, fighting off the aggressors until another rescue helicopter
arrived. Platoon Sergeant See's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5200 (November 8, 1968)
Home Town: Summersville, West Virginia

*SEIBERT, RICHARD J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard J. Seibert
(0-5338151), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company D, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry
Brigade (Light) (Separate). Second Lieutenant Seibert distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 January 1968 while
serving as platoon leader of an infantry unit during a search and
clear operation in the Que Son Valley. Shortly after noon, his platoon
was heavily attacked by an enemy force firing from a treeline. With
bullets striking all around him, Lieutenant Seibert unhesitantly led a
fierce attack on the hostile positions. His men became pinned down by
a withering hail of bullets, and he crawled forward alone and
destroyed one position with well-placed grenades. Intense machine gun
fire raked his position from the flank, and he fearlessly directed his
assault on the second Viet Cong emplacement. After crossing a river,
he charged the fortification across an open rice paddy. He quickly
reached a low dike and hurled two grenades into the machine gun nest
which demolished the weapon and killed its crew. He repeatedly exposed
himself to enemy weapons to draw fire away from his men and allow them
to join the attack. When it became evident that his unit was
surrounded, Lieutenant Seibert rallied his men to fight their way
through the insurgents' lines. With complete disregard for his
personal safety, he led a furious charge into a curtain of enemy fire
to break through the encirclement. He was mortally wounded while
gallantly leading his men against heavy odds in the heat of battle.
Second Lieutenant Seibert's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 871 (February 26, 1968)
Home Town: Far Hills, New Jersey

SELLERS, RICHARD D.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Richard D. Sellers, Warrant Officer
(W-1), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop E, 1st Squadron, 9th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Warrant Officer W1 Sellers
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 January
1971 while piloting a helicopter during rescue operations near Lai
Khe. Learning that an American helicopter had been shot down and its
survivors were in close proximity of enemy troops, Warrant Officer
Sellers volunteered to attempt a rescue and flew to the site of the
wreckage. As he approached the location of the downed aircraft, his
helicopter became the target of intense enemy ground fire. Unable to
land, Mister Sellers had to hover his rescue airship while one of the
wounded soldiers was lifted aboard. Suddenly, a barrage of automatic
weapons fire sprayed upon his helicopter, necessitating an evasive
departure in order for a helicopter gunship to saturate the area with
suppressive fire. Although his helicopter sustained battle damage, the
defiant Mister Sellers again brought his helicopter to a hover over
the remaining crew members. Amid a fusillade of enemy bullets, Warrant
Officer Sellers remained in this vulnerable position until all were on
board and then proceeded to Phuoc Vinh's medical hospital. Warrant
Officer W1 Sellers' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1325 (April 20, 1971)

SERGENT, ORVILLE W., IIICitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Orville W. Sergent, III, Specialist
Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 366th Aviation Detachment
(Divisional), 165th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist
Five Sergent distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions
on 11 May 1969 during an enemy attack on Fire Base Oasis. Specialist
Sergent moved through the barrage of incoming mortar rounds to take up
a position on the perimeter. When the bombardment ceased and a force
of about one hundred sappers armed with satchel charges and grenades
stormed the berm, Specialist Sergent delivered a fusillade of rifle
fire on the assailants. Despite the heavy retaliatory fire, the enemy
penetrated the defense line. Specialist Sergent immediately left his
bunker and directly engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Seeming
to be everywhere at once, he shot a sniper who had wounded one of his
comrades. He eliminated two more enemy sappers while fighting his way
toward two wounded men, whom he succeeded in removing to safety. When
a hostile sniper killed the detachment sergeant who was attempting to
secure munitions from a conex container, Specialist Sergent quickly
shot the sniper and then carried the needed ammunition to several
firing points. For two hours he continued to engage the enemy, always
remaining in the open, and he proved most instrumental in repelling
the hostile force and in preventing another penetration. Specialist
Five Sergent's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3310 (August 29, 1969)

SEVERSON, DANIEL J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel J. Severson (OF-103149), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
B, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
(Separate). First Lieutenant Severson distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 16 January 1967 while serving with
elements of the 503rd Infantry on a search and destroy operation near
Ben Cat. As company Executive Officer, Lieutenant Severson was
accompanying the point platoon when it made contact and assaulted a
hostile bunker complex. During the intense fire-fight that ensued,
several friendly casualties were sustained, including the platoon
leader. Lieutenant Severson immediately assumed command and, exposed
to the devastating fire, moved along the line shouting encouragement,
distributing ammunition and directing fire into the insurgent
emplacements. Inspired and calmed by his gallant leadership, the
platoon quickly regrouped and killed four Viet Cong before being
ordered to withdraw. As the unit stated to pull back, it suddenly
received murderous fire from a hidden gun on the right flank.
Lieutenant Severson dauntlessly advanced toward the Viet Cong
position, until he was knocked unconscious by an exploding grenade,
which killed his radio operator and disabled his weapon. Regaining
consciousness, and armed only with grenades, he single-handedly
assaulted the hostile emplacement, but was painfully wounded in the
leg. With complete disregard for his safety, he continued to crawl
forward and silenced the weapon, killing one insurgent. Refusing
medical treatment, Lieutenant Severson covered the platoon withdrawal
and returned to the company perimeter only after ensuring that none of
his dead or wounded were left behind. Demonstrating boundless courage
and aggressive determination, he further assisted the commander in
directing air strikes which routed the hostile force. First Lieutenant
Severson extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1064 (March 12, 1967)

*SEVERSON, PAUL ROYCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Paul Roy Severson
(RA16830445), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special
Forces. Specialist Five Severson distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 while serving as a
platoon leader during an assault on enemy-controlled bunkers and
trenches in the Duc Lap Special Forces camp. Specialist Severson,
pinned down initially by a heavy volume of small arms and automatic
weapons fire, joined another American and began a two-man assault on
an estimated two platoons of North Vietnamese Army troops. Braving a
withering hail of hostile fire, they seized the first bunker. They
then rushed another bunker, and when grenades failed to silence its
weapons, Specialist Severson moved around the fortification and killed
the enemy inside with rifle fire. He then entered the communist-held
trench line. Moving forward alone under heavy fire, he encountered
four aggressors and killed two of them before he was mortally wounded.
Specialist Five Severson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty,
at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4562 (October 1, 1968)
Home Town: Glenwood, Illinois

*SHAFFER, EARL THOMAS, SR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Earl Thomas Shaffer, Sr.
(RA34761131), First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). First Sergeant Shaffer distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 9 December 1968 during a search and
clear mission in a rubber plantation in Binh Long Province. His
company's mortar platoon was attacked by an estimated two companies of
North Vietnamese regulars. The three other platoons attempted to reach
the besieged element, but were halted by intense fire from several
enemy machine guns, forcing them to deploy into a defensive perimeter.
Despite the repeated assaults of the numerically superior foe,
Sergeant Shaffer insisted on continuing to the stranded platoon.
Moving beyond his company's perimeter, he crawled past several hostile
machine gun positions to the surrounded unit's location where he found
six men wounded and in need of medical attention. He treated the men
while remaining exposed to intense enemy fire. Spotting the platoon
leader lying seriously wounded, he unhesitatingly went to his
assistance, although warned the man's position was covered by an enemy
machine gun. He was able to reach him, but was fatally wounded as he
began to render medical aid. First Sergeant Shaffer's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 405 (February 5, 1969)
Home Town: Covington, Georgia

SHARPE, MERLE J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Merle J. Sharpe (0-5239461), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First
Lieutenant Sharpe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 7 May 1968 as the commanding officer of a mechanized
infantry company during an operation in Gia Dinh Province. During his
first few moments of contact with a reinforced Viet Cong battalion
located in a built-up residential area, Lieutenant Sharpe was severely
wounded and his command vehicle destroyed by enemy rocket fire.
Refusing evacuation, he moved to another track, propped himself up in
a highly vulnerable position and continued to direct his company's
maneuver, supporting artillery, gunships and air strikes. When the air
strikes were completed Lieutenant Sharpe personally led his unit in a
house-to-house assault on the Viet Cong. Despite the pain of his
wounds, he refused medical evacuation for six hours, until the enemy
had been routed from the area. As a result of his courageous
leadership, the enemy lost two hundred and thirteen dead by body
count. First Lieutenant Sharpe's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4524 (September 28, 1968)

*SHAUGHNESSY, EDWARD JEROMECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edward Jerome
Shaughnessy (122-34-1507), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. Private First Class Shaughnessy
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969
while defending Landing Zone Stinson. A numerically superior enemy
force breached the landing zone's defensive perimeter and quickly
captured several bunkers under cover of intense rocket and mortar
barrages. On perimeter guard at the time of attack, Private
Shaughnessy left his bunker and rushed through the storm of incoming
projectiles to take up a position close to where the sappers were
concentrating their assault. He slowed the sappers' infiltration with
heavy volumes of strafing machine gun fire. When the gun
malfunctioned, he again ran under fire to another friendly emplacement
to obtain hand grenades. He then charged one occupied bunker and
eliminated its captors with well-placed grenades. Seeing a team of
sappers cutting their way through the perimeter wire, he repelled the
intruders by unleashing on them the remainder of his grenades. Private
Shaughnessy then secured two M-72 Light Anti-tank Weapons, maneuvered
close to the last enemy-held fortifications, and destroyed them.
Private First Class Shaughnessy's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3786 (October 7, 1969)
Home Town: Hawthorne, California

*SHAW, CLARENCE LEECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence Lee Shaw
(RA67136332), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Shaw distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 7 November 1967 while serving as acting sergeant of an
infantry unit on a two-company search and destroy operation near Loc
Ninh. Specialist Shaw and his squad were providing flank security for
his company when forward elements located and killed an enemy sniper.
A large Viet Cong force immediately triggered a savage attack on the
entire unit with claymore mines, automatic weapons and small arms
fire. After quickly deploying his squad in an extremely effective
defensive perimeter, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense
barrage to locate the targets and direct fire on the enemy positions
which inflicted heavy casualties on the determined insurgents. He was
seriously wounded when the Viet Cong began hitting his position with
accurate rocket fire, and his squad was ordered to join the main body
of the company. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist
Shaw directed his men to move back while he remained behind to cover
their movement. The Viet Cong intensified their attack on his
position, but instead of seeking shelter, Specialist Shaw braved the
withering fire and charged the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy
casualties on the attackers with rifle fire and grenades. He was
mortally wounded while unselfishly placing the lives of his fellow
soldiers above his own welfare in the face of grave danger. His
gallant actions completely disorganized the insurgents and enabled his
company to totally defeat them in a fierce battle. Specialist Four
Shaw's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his
life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 6501 (December 18, 1967)
Home Town: Ardmore, Oklahoma

*SHAW,
GARY FRANCISCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gary Francis Shaw
(RA11703347), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade (Separate). Private First Class Shaw distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 as radio operator
of an airborne infantry company conducting a search and destroy
mission near Dak To. The unit was moving down a ridgeline covered with
thick bamboo when it was savagely attacked by a North Vietnamese
battalion firing mortars, rockets and automatic weapons. Heavy
casualties were suffered by the lead platoon, and Private Shaw
immediately volunteered to go to the aid of his wounded comrades.
Braving withering enemy fire, he raced from one clump of bamboo to
another as he advanced seventy-five meters down the hill to where the
stricken paratroopers lay. With bullets striking all around him, he
began to pull the wounded from the killing zone and carry them up the
hill to safety. He saw one casualty fall in an exposed area while
attempting to crawl from the ambush site unassisted. Ignoring
exploding mortars and grenades, Private Shaw moved to the man and
dragged him to the company's defensive perimeter. He then returned to
the base of the ridge and killed at least six of the assaulting North
Vietnamese with fierce rifle fire as other members of his unit rescued
the remaining wounded. He was instantly killed while gallantly
covering their withdrawal. Private First Class Shaw's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1487 (April 2, 1968)
Born: March 13, 1948 at Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
Home Town: Toledo, Ohio

*SHAW, WILLIAM FREDERICK, JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Frederick Shaw,
Jr. (250-86-7102), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
D, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division.
Sergeant Shaw distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions
on 6 August 1970 while serving as a machine gunner during allied
reconnaissance operations in Binh Duong Province. As darkness
approached on 6 August 1970, Sergeant Shaw manned his machine gun
position at the edge of a bomb crater while the remainder of the
company prepared their positions nearby. Suddenly a friendly
observation post, located approximately twenty meters from the
sergeant, was raked by a volley of enemy fire, wounding one of the
observers. Because of the proximity of his position to the besieged
allies, Sergeant Shaw could not provide effective counter fire without
endangering them. Realizing immediate action was essential, the
sergeant secured his machine gun and assaulted the enemy forces,
firing his weapon as he advanced. Although wounded by the enemy fire
that was now directed almost entirely at him, he never faltered in his
advance and continued firing at the enemy until he was fatally wounded
soon thereafter. Because of his determined actions, the remainder of
the company was able to successfully react to the enemy force and
insure the relative safety of the allied observers. Sergeant Shaw's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5110 (November 20, 1970)
Home Town: Columbia, South Carolina

SHEA, THOMASCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas Shea, Specialist Fourth Class,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division. Specialist Four Shea distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 9 May 1969 while serving as a member
in the defense of Landing Zone Penny. During the early morning hours
enemy mortars and rockets began raining on the base. A force of North
Vietnamese quickly penetrated the barbed wire barrier and swarmed into
the camp flinging satchel charges. Taking control of a machine gun
bunker, the hostile force began firing the fifty-caliber weapon at
mortar and artillery positions within the perimeter. Specialist Shea
quickly crawled toward the enemy position and silenced it with hand
grenades. Then, after securing an M-16 rifle, he made his way toward
the tactical operations center which was the target for the main
invading force. As he approached, the communists unleashed a torrent
of small arms fire. Specialist Shea was knocked to the ground when a
round struck him in the leg. He crawled to a machine gun position
where he secured the weapon and walked directly toward the enemy with
the machine gun blazing. His aggressive assault forced the hostile
soldiers back, enabling a reaction force to sweep in and secure the
perimeter. Specialist Four Shea's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3423 (September 7, 1969)

*SHERRILL, JAMES J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James J. Sherrill
(RA14583660), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Advisory Team 64, U.S. Army Advisory Group, United States Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Sherrill
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January
1968 while serving as advisor to a Vietnamese Regional Force unit on a
combat mission near Chau Doc. When Viet Cong elements invaded the city
as part of their Lunar New Year offensive, Sergeant Sherrill
immediately led four platoons in an attempt to drive the enemy out.
The road to the town was blocked by a hostile force firing small arms,
machine guns and grenades. Sergeant Sherrill quickly deployed his men
for an assault through the Viet Cong lines. He then mounted his jeep
and manned the machine gun in support of their advance on the enemy. A
fellow soldier maneuvered to knock out an enemy machine gun with a
recoilless rifle, but was pinned down by ravaging fire from the
position. Sergeant Sherrill fully exposed himself to the insurgents'
weapons and delivered devastating fire on the hostile emplacement to
allow the man to move forward and destroy it. His troops' furious
attack forced the Viet Cong to slowly pull back, and he tenaciously
maintained pressure on the determined enemy. As he drove forward in
the jeep, it was raked by automatic weapons and grenade fire. Severely
wounded, he took cover behind the vehicle and returned fire with his
rifle. Completely disregarding his welfare, he fought on until his
ammunition was expended. Defenseless, he fearlessly remained in his
tenuous position until he succumbed to his wounds. His courageous
leadership inspired his men to continue their assault, and to defeat
the enemy forces. Sergeant First Class Sherrill's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1174 (March 18, 1968)
Home Town: Dover, Tennessee

SHORTMAN, PHILLIP V.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Phillip V. Shortman, Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion,
27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Shortman
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 August
1969 while serving as a rifleman during a mission to establish a
forward patrol base near Hieu Thien. After his unit had been airlifted
into the landing zone and had begun to move away, an enemy force
opened fire from the cover of a hedgerow, pinning the company down.
Observing how the hostile fire was decimating his platoon, Private
Shortman crawled forward through the fusillade to within fifteen
meters of the enemy and tossed a grenade into a spiderhole bunker. As
he moved back to his element's position, he carried two wounded
comrades from their exposed location and immediately rendered first
aid. As the deadly hail of hostile fire continued to riddle the area,
Private Shortman again crawled forward in the face of the enemy to
recover an M-60 machine gun left by a casualty. After a second
perilous trip to secure ammunition, he commenced to unleash a
devastating barrage which enabled the casualties to be evacuated and
caused the enemy to flee. Private First Class Shortman's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4036 (October 31, 1969)

*SIDERS, MARVIN ISAACCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Marvin Isaac Siders
(OF-110427), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company D, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry
Division. Captain Siders distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 6 November 1968 while leading his company on a
search and clear operation. The unit made contact with a large,
well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and during the initial
volley was pinned down by the intense hostile fire and sustained heavy
casualties. Captain Siders moved through the aggressors' barrage to
effectively position his troops and organize the evacuation of the
wounded. After guiding in the ambulance helicopter and insuring that
the injured men were safely evacuated, he ran to the foremost fighting
position and directed both aerial rocket artillery and air strikes to
within one hundred meters of his location. As he moved forward during
a brief lull in the fighting to assess the damage of the tactical air
strikes, the enemy suddenly unleashed a heavy bombardment of rocket,
semi-automatic and automatic weapons fire. From his advanced position,
Captain Siders spotted a strategic bunker which was directing the
greatest volume of fire on his element. He immediately maneuvered
toward the emplacement in a courageous attempt to draw the hostile
fire. Skillfully employing his weapon and hurling grenades as he
charged, Captain Siders was within feet of the fortification before
being mortally wounded. Captain Siders' extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 387 (February 4, 1969)
Home Town: Macy, Indiana

SILVERSTEIN,
WILLIAM I.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to William I. Silverstein (W-3152753),
Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 170th
Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation
Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Silverstein
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 and 22
March 1967 while piloting a helicopter during a battle in Kontum
Province. As the action opened Miser Silverstein volunteered to fly
through intense hostile machine gun fire and the trajectory of enemy
mortars and friendly artillery to the battle area to deliver the S-3
to the battalion command group. When one company reported that all its
leaders had been either killed or wounded, he again volunteered to
insert necessary personnel although the unit was in heavy contact and
the only possible landing zone was in thick jungle behind North
Vietnamese Army positions. After successfully landing seven men, he
flew to a fire base, returned with ammunition and other vital supplies
and, while under heavy enemy fire, lowered them through the dense
foliage to the desperate ground troops. As night fell, an ambulance
helicopter was shot down as it attempted to extract a wounded man and
Miser Silverstein promptly inserted medical aidmen to care for the
soldier. Learning that a raging brush fire had isolated the medics
from other friendly elements, he returned through darkness and the
communists' fusillade to evacuate them. Despite choking smoke and
leaping flames he twice hovered over a bomb crater until all the
medics were extracted. As the night progressed, he remained aloft to
act as an aerial radio relay for the ground units, despite the fact
that his ship was constantly revealed to hostile gunners by flares and
illumination rounds. Responding to a call from a unit with fifteen
wounded, he was driven away on his initial approach by the tremendous
concentration of enemy fire, yet he returned to insert the battalion
surgeon and evacuate two of the injured soldiers. He then shuttled
back and forth through towering trees, darkness, and the North
Vietnamese barrage to guide other ships into the landing zone. As the
casualties were being evacuated, he spotted a hostile mortar position
which was shelling the Americans and directed a gunship attack which
destroyed it. Chief Warrant Officer Silverstein's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 119 (January 11, 1969)

*SIMMONS, BURNELLCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Burnell Simmons
(RA14350143), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery
A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne
Division. Staff Sergeant Simmons distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 15 October 1967 while serving as
chief of a howitzer section supporting ground operations near Tam Ky.
Late at night, a large Viet Cong force savagely attacked his camp with
mortars, rockets, and small arms. The speed and intensity of the enemy
assault overran the outposts, but Sergeant Simmons dashed to the
battery under heaviest attack and rallied his men to fight furiously
against the determined onslaught. He was seriously wounded by
exploding grenades when the insurgents reached the parapets of his gun
emplacement, but he refused aid and prepared the gun for direct fire
against the onrushing enemy. Completely ignoring his own safety, he
stood up amidst the fierce barrage to locate the hostile troop
concentrations and fire rounds which momentarily stunned the
insurgents and drove them back. Despite the continued fire, he dashed
into the open to treat the wounded men and carry them to safety. He
moved through the intense barrage time after time to direct fire on
the determined insurgents and continue treating the casualties. He was
mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave
danger. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely and
repel the overwhelming Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Simmons'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 6014 (November 21, 1967)
Home Town: Leary, Georgia

SIMONS, ARTHUR D.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Arthur D. Simons, Colonel (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while commanding the ground
element of a joint United States task force on an operation deep in
North Vietnam on 21 November 1970. With complete disregard for his own
personal safety, Colonel Simons voluntarily participated as a member
of a Joint Task Force with the humanitarian mission of rescuing United
States military personnel held as prisoners of war at the Son Tay
Prison Compound approximately twenty nautical miles from Hanoi, the
capital of North Vietnam. In an outstanding display of leadership and
personal courage, Colonel Simons led the ground force in the rescue
effort. On the ground, the search and rescue element was immediately
taken under automatic weapons fire by the enemy. While directing and
supervising the operation, Colonel Simons continually exposed himself
to enemy fire and, on one occasion, personally took under fire enemy
personnel in close proximity to his position. The success of the
operation was the direct result of Colonel Simons' calm and competent
leadership in an extremely hazardous situation. His professional
conduct instilled confidence in his men and resulted in an outstanding
operation. Colonel Simons' extraordinary heroism was in keeping with
the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great
credit on him and the United States Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 32 (July 13, 1971)

SIMONS, JAMES P.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James P. Simons (0-5532898), First
Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection
with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (airmobile). First
Lieutenant Simons distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 17 December 1966 while serving as team leader of a
helicopter scout group during a ground search and destroy mission near
Bong Son. When initial ground contact with Viet Cong was made,
Lieutenant Simons began flying at tree-top level on the outskirts of
the battle area to prevent enemy escape. He began to receive machine
gun fire and maneuvered so that the observer with him could fire on
the insurgents, killing two of the enemy in this manner. He then began
to reconnoiter the battle area for landing zones in preparation for
infiltration of a rifle platoon. He received intense machine gun fire
from two small clearings but returned the fire and mortally wounded a
Viet Cong gunner. Finding a zone free of enemy control, he led the
helicopters through a successful infiltration. After rearming and
refueling his aircraft, Lieutenant Simons returned and found the
friendly force in close combat with the insurgents. Despite intense
ground fire, he flew at tree-top level to mark hostile positions with
smoke grenades for supporting armed aircraft. When it became evident
that the ground troops were still unable to maneuver because of the
heavily fortified Viet Cong emplacement, Lieutenant Simons hovered his
helicopter over the hostile bunkers and dropped grenades on them.
Seeing friendly casualties stranded near the insurgent emplacements,
he hovered in front of the enemy positions, attracting the insurgents'
fire while the casualties were carried to safety. His aircraft was
damaged by several enemy rounds, but he skillfully landed it outside
the area of contact. First Lieutenant Simons' extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4455 (September 1, 1967)

*SIMPSON, MICHAEL PAULCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Michael Paul Simpson
(US54817844), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant
Simpson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20
September 1968 during a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Cu Chi.
His unit received intense fire from an enemy force concealed in well
fortified bunkers. Sergeant Simpson moved through the bullet-swept
area, positioning his men and calling in artillery fire upon the
hostile positions. Disregarding his safety, he assaulted an enemy
bunker. Although wounded as he began his attack, Sergeant Simpson
continued through the communists' fusillade and completely destroyed
the fortification. As he attempted to recover the body of a fallen
comrade near another hostile emplacement, he was killed by enemy fire.
Sergeant Simpson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the
cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5469 (November 27, 1968)
Home Town: Mattoon, Illinois

SINCERE, CLYDE J., JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Clyde J. Sincere, Jr., Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Sincere distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 8 through 11 November 1966, while serving as Special Forces Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Company engaged in search and destroy operations near Plei Trap. On 8 November, Captain Sincere personally led his forward element in an attack on two antiaircraft guns. His men killed four insurgents, and captured their weapons and 35 packs of information concerning future enemy operations. On the night of 10 November, while Captain Sincere was separated from his company, it received an attack from a large Viet Cong force. When the acting commander was seriously wounded, and the unit's ammunition was nearly exhausted, Captain Sincere flew into the ravaged landing zone to bring supplies and to lead the force out of the enemy circle. He jumped from the helicopter before it touched down and fearlessly ran, through a tremendous outburst of fire, toward the nearest cover. Insurgents hidden at this position wounded him, but he was able to evade further fire and reached his own lines. Captain Sincere took command of the defenses, and again entered the bullet-swept field with a small group to retrieve the critical supplies. Upon returning to his own lines, he distributed the ammunition, called in air and artillery strikes, and enabled the company to break contact with the Viet Cong the next day. His fearless actions under intense hostile fire gave his men the leadership and inspiration to work as an effective fighting force. Captain Sincere's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1219 (March 20, 1967)
Born: September 11, 1932 at Coleman, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

*SIZEMORE, CLARENCECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence Sizemore
(402-58-3806), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
A, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. Sergeant Sizemore distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 21 May 1969 while in charge of a bridge security
force near Landing Zone Liz at Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province. In the
early morning hours his position was attacked by a North Vietnamese
platoon of sappers utilizing machine guns, small arms, and
rocket-propelled grenades. Seeing that the communists had penetrated
the defenses near the north end of the bridge, he raced over there,
releasing bursts from his automatic weapon at the aggressors as he
ran. After he had killed one enemy soldier and repelled the assault,
he returned to the opposite end of the bridge to re-supply his
ammunition, only to discover that a hostile force had overwhelmed
several nearby bunkers. He rushed one of the captured fortifications,
killed the occupant, and obtained rounds for his rifle. He was racing
back toward the northern end when an enemy grenade detonated near him,
spraying his legs with shrapnel. Noticing that the platoon
radio-telephone operator lay helplessly wounded near the center of the
bridge, and despite his own wounds, he crawled to the aid of the
injured man. Sergeant Sizemore remained by his comrade as the ruthless
assailants closed in from both sides. While attempting to hold the
enemy at bay, he was mortally wounded by rifle fire. Sergeant
Sizemore's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2672 (July 17, 1969)
Home Town: Manchester, Kentucky

*SKAGGS, LONNIE G.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lonnie G. Skaggs
(US55885152), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company A, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Skaggs distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 27 April 1967, near Ben Suc, Republic of Vietnam.
Specialist Skaggs was serving as a machine gunner on a search and
destroy mission when his company was suddenly engaged by a hostile
force. Seeing that the point man was instantly wounded, Specialist
Skaggs moved quickly to the front and engaged the enemy allowing the
company medic to move to the wounded man's aid. Under the covering
fire of Specialist Skaggs, the company began withdrawing to allow
artillery and airstrikes on the hostile positions. Exhausting his
supply of ammunition, Specialist Skaggs called for an additional
supply. When he was resupplied, Specialist Skaggs moved forward and
exposed himself to the heaviest enemy fire by standing on top of a
bunker, and continued placing suppressive fire on the hostile forces
until all wounded were evacuated and the entire company had withdrawn.
When the artillery fire and air strikes were completed, the company
started back to the battle area. Specialist Skaggs volunteered for
point man on the return trip. Moving into the battle area, the company
was again engaged with heavy automatic weapons fire and
command-detonated Claymore mines. Four men were wounded in the first
few moments from a well-emplaced Viet Cong machinegun. Realizing that
the Viet Cot machinegun position had the wounded pinned down and also
was keeping medics from giving aid, Specialist Skaggs immediately
assaulted the Viet Cong position, continuously firing his machinegun.
On the verge of overrunning the hostile position, Specialist Skaggs
was mortally wounded. Before succumbing to his wounds, Specialist
Skaggs thrust his machinegun forward in such a manner as to insure it
would continue to fire on the hostile position until the supply of
ammunition was exhausted. This final heroic act resulted in the
complete elimination of the Viet Cong position, enabled the friendly
forces to evacuate the wounded without sustaining heavier casualties
and undoubtedly saved the lives of many men of Company A. Specialist
Skagg's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his life,
above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon
himself, and the Armed Forces of his country.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 38 (July 31, 1968)
Home Town: Gary, Indiana

*SMITH, AVERY GENECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Avery Gene Smith
(US52614620), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Private
First Class Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 8 June 1966 while serving as tank loader on an armored
convoy during a combat operations along Highway 13. While moving
toward their objective, Private First Class Smith's column of armored
vehicles was ambushed by a large Viet Cong force. Private First Class
Smith unhesitatingly climbed outside to the exposed rear of the tank
and began delivering suppressive fire upon the onrushing Viet Cong.
Throughout the heaviest fighting of the engagement, he remained at
this unprotected position and repelled the assaulting insurgents at
point-blank range. During the course of action, Private First Class
Smith was wounded in the face by shrapnel. Despite the severity of his
wound, he remained at this self-appointed post and continued to
protect his tank and other nearby vehicles. At one point during the
battle, when the tank's main gun and machine guns were inoperable,
Private First Class Smith's efforts alone prevented the vehicle from
being overrun by the numerically superior Viet Cong force. When his
tank received its fourth direct hit from Viet Cong fire, Private First
Class Smith absorbed the brunt of the explosion and was mortally
wounded. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty at the cost of
his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5964 (October 7, 1966)
Home Town: Russell Springs, Kentucky

*SMITH, JACK RAECitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Rae Smith
(479-64-2135), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 31 March 1970 while on a sweep mission in Binh Duong
Province. Specialist Smith was providing forward security for his
patrol when an intense barrage of hostile fire was directed at the
group from a nearby enemy element. From his forward position,
Specialist Smith placed suppressive fire on the enemy that enabled his
comrades to move forward. As his comrades neared his position, an
enemy grenade landed a few feet from Specialist Smith. Without
hesitation, he seized the grenade and attempted to hurl it back toward
the enemy soldiers. However, before he could release the grenade, it
detonated in his hand, mortally wounding him. Although Specialist
Smith forfeited his own life, he successfully shielded his nearby
comrades from the deadly shrapnel and prevented any additional loss of
life. Specialist Four Smith's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3728 (August 11, 1970)
Home Town: Clarion, Iowa

SMITH, JAMES H.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Smith, Sergeant First Class,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 3d Battalion, 1st
Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant First Class Smith distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1969 while
acting as platoon leader on a company combat sweep mission southwest
of Duc Pho. When another platoon became pinned down by a large North
Vietnamese force, Sergeant Smith immediately proceeded to move his
platoon to their rescue. Because of insufficient cover from the heavy
hostile barrage, he could maneuver no closer than one hundred meters
to the beleaguered element. Sergeant Smith called in the assistance of
gun ships and armored personnel carriers. Realizing that hostile and
friendly positions had to be differentiated before an air strike was
made, he started crawling forward into the fusillade. When a North
Vietnamese position poured strafing fire on him, he retaliated with
rifle and grenade volleys, effectively silencing the emplacement. As
he marked the positions with smoke grenades, a burst of hostile fire
wounded him in the face and shoulder. He, nonetheless, continued his
mission until the gun ships arrived and his medical evacuation was
made possible. Sergeant First Class Smith's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2471 (July 9, 1969)

*SMITH, LYNN HUDSONCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lynn Hudson Smith
(0-5336701), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for
extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with
Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in the
Republic of Vietnam on 1 February 1968. On this date, Company A was
conducting a sweep mission in the city of My Tho when its lead element
was suddenly attacked and pinned down by a well-entrenched Viet Cong
force. Upon observing that the company was unable to move to the
assistance of the point element, Lieutenant Smith courageously led his
platoon through the intense hostile fire in an attempt to reach the
endangered point element. Fighting his way from house to house,
Lieutenant Smith brought his men to the edge of a large open area
where they were once again pinned down by the enemy fusillade.
Realizing that the members of the point element would have to be
brought to safety before artillery could be called in, Lieutenant
Smith, unmindful of his personal safety, made several attempts to lead
a party of his men across the fire-swept area but was forced to turn
back each time because of the extremely heavy enemy fire. Determined
to rescue the lead element, Lieutenant Smith sighted an unoccupied
jeep, ran to it, and drove it through the murderous barrage of enemy
fire to the point element. After loading the wounded members of the
point element onto the jeep, he started back through the enemy's zone
of fire and had almost reached cover when he was mortally wounded by
an enemy round. Lieutenant Smith's gallant actions enabled the point
men to reach safety and contributed significantly to his company's
efforts to drive the Viet Cong from the city. Lieutenant Smith's
extraordinary heroism and concern for his comrades-in-arms were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States
Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 58 (September 24, 1969)
Home Town: Cudahy, Wisconsin

SMITH,
MARK A.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Mark A. Smith, Captain (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as the
Senior Battalion Liaison Officer to the 9th Infantry Regiment, 5th
Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period
5 April 1972 to 7 April 1972. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and
Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of
capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region Three. The 5th Viet
Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh the capital of Loc Ninh
District in northern Binh Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division
launched a massive coordinated ground attack against Loc Ninh
beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was
supported by artillery and tanks. Captain smith skillfully directed
tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of the 9th
Infantry Regiment and other South Vietnamese forces in the area. To
inflict the maximum casualties on the enemy and to bring the fires as
close as possible to the friendly forces, he left the safety of his
bunker and moved throughout the area seeking strategic vantage points
from which he directed friendly fire. Time and time again he directed
the fighters, bombers, gunships, and artillery fire on top of his own
position to drive off the attacking enemy. The combination of Captain
Smith's courage and professional skills coupled with all available
firepower kept the numerically enemy at bay for more than two days.
Captain Smith's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon
himself and the military service.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 30 (September 18, 1973)

SMITH, NORWOOD W., JR.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Norwood W. Smith, Jr., Warrant Officer,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Norwood distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 26 October 1971. His extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 40 (October 27, 1972)If
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SMITH, PATRICK R.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Patrick R. Smith (RA17738393),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection
with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop L, 3d
Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant Smith distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 January 1968 as an
armored assault vehicle commander on a reconnaissance-in-force mission
near Loc Ninh. His column was taken under an extremely heavy volume of
automatic weapons and small arms fire from an insurgent force
concealed in dense vegetation along the roadway. The dismounted
elements which flanked the formation were pinned down immediately.
Seeing this, Sergeant Smith directed his track against the enemy
positions. Four direct rocket hits inflicted severe wounds on him and
several of his crew and caused his vehicle to burst into flames.
Although dazed and in great pain, Sergeant Smith continued to direct a
lethal volley of machine gun fire on the insurgents, enabling the
ground troops to maneuver into a better defensive position. He then
began evacuating his wounded crew members from the flaming vehicle.
Observing several Viet Cong rushing the track to take its weapons and
ammunition, Sergeant Smith quickly returned to it and annihilated the
onrushing force with machine gun fire. Flames in the vehicle caused it
to explode, blowing him out of the commander's hatch. Disregarding his
additional wounds and burns, he freed the trapped driver and evacuated
the man to an aid station. Refusing medical attention for himself,
Sergeant Smith continued to fight until the enemy was routed and
driven into the jungle. Sergeant Smith's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3117 (June 29, 1968)

SMITH, PAUL F.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Paul F. Smith (0-33169), Major General,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, 173d Airborne
Brigade. Major General Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while commanding the 173d
Airborne Brigade on a search and destroy operation near Minh Thanh.
Despite the extreme hazards involved, he boldly chose to visit a
forward patrol base that had been under sniper and claymore mine
attack for three days. At the time General Smith arrived, the
perimeter was only manned by a skeleton force, but he insisted upon
visiting the troops that were on line. Within ten minutes, two platoon
patrols outside the camp were pinned down by a large Viet Cong force
and the perimeter was again ravaged by intense hostile fire. Unmindful
of the dangers, General Smith refused to take cover and calmly
proceeded among the defenders, encouraging the men in their foxholes.
Throughout the three-hour battle, he provided tactical advice to his
subordinate commanders. At one point, the elements under severest
attack were perilously low on ammunition, but because of devastating
ground fire aerial re-supply was prevented. With complete disregard
for his safety, General Smith fearlessly exposed himself to the hail
of bullets and directed an armed helicopter strike on the charging
Viet Cong. This courageous and timely action enabled the supply
aircraft to land and allowed the besieged camp to finally repel the
insurgent force. Later after the wounded had been evacuated, he
conduced an aerial reconnaissance of the area an discovered a large
cache of rice and supplies. His unimpeachable valor and profound
concern for his men turned impending disaster into a major victory
over a numerically superior hostile force. Major General Smith's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 497 (February 1, 1967)

SMITH,
RALPHCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Ralph Smith (US53438628), Specialist
Fourth Class [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division. Specialist Four Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 16 May 1967 while serving as squad leader with an
infantry company on a night assault mission near Ap Rach Gau. While
moving across a rice paddy to join with a company trapped by a
numerically superior enemy unit, his platoon was attacked by a well
entrenched Viet Cong force firing machine guns and automatic weapons.
Seeing his machine gunner killed, Specialist Smith grabbed the weapon
and led a fierce attack on the nearest enemy bunker. After killing the
protecting riflemen with an accurate volley, he placed the muzzle of
his weapon into the firing port and destroyed the position with a
deadly burst of fire. He saw a platoon of Viet Cong escaping across an
open field and ran to a dike to attempt to halt them. Ignoring a hail
of bullets striking all around him, he stood up and inflicted heavy
casualties with volley after volley of deadly fire. Regrouping his
men, he led a furious charge on the determined insurgents which
defeated them and forced them to withdraw. His courageous actions
inspired his men to greater heights and contributed immeasurable to
the success of the mission. Specialist Four Smith's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4967 (September 28, 1967)

*SNELL,
ROBERT MICHAELCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Michael Snell
(464-72-5019), Captain (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery,
101st Airborne Division. Captain Snell distinguished himself on 14
June 1969 while serving as an artillery liaison officer to the 327th
Infantry. In the early morning hours, an intense mortar attack
followed by a ground assault was launched against Fire Support Base
Berchtesgaden. When the first enemy rounds hit, several personnel were
injured and in need of immediate medical attention. Captain Snell,
with complete disregard for his own safety, moved fifty meters from
his protected bunker through the heavy volume of enemy mortar fire to
assist the wounded. He carried one wounded soldier back to the safety
of the bunker and was going out the bunker door to retrieve another
man when a round impacted at his feet and mortally wounded him.
Captain Snell's unselfish dedication to his fellow soldiers was
directly responsible for saving the life of the man he had carried to
safety. Captain Snell's extraordinary heroism and dedication to duty,
at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 166 (January 19, 1970)
Born: February 14, 1944 at Fort Worth, Texas
Home Town: Lamesa, Texas

SNODDY, HAROLD M.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Harold M. Snoddy, Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st
Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Sergeant Snoddy distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 during an enemy rocket
attack followed by a ground assault on Landing Zone Grant. Almost
immediately after the attack began, a contingent of sappers managed to
overtake four perimeter bunkers. Sergeant Snoddy, who had volunteered
to join the reaction force, quickly moved toward the threatened area
to repel the assailants. As he made his way through the hail of enemy
fire, he observed several hostile soldiers just outside the berm
preparing to launch a B-40 rocket. Unleashing a salvo of rifle fire,
he eliminated the position. He resumed his advance on the enemy-held
bunkers, and despite being thrown to the ground again and again by the
concussion of satchel charges, he succeeded in recapturing a perimeter
bunker by killing the enemy with hand grenades. From that position he
hurled grenades into a nearby fortification, routing the hostile
soldiers. He then pursued the retreating troopers as they withdrew to
another bunker. In spite of sustaining a fragmentation wound, he
continued to advance and killed two of the communists before they
reached the bunker. Fearing that the position contained injured
American personnel, he refrained from employing grenades and
single-handedly charged the bunker to silence the remainder of the
enemy force. Inside the bunker, he discovered a wounded comrade whom
he treated and evacuated to safety. Sergeant Snoddy's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3396 (September 4, 1969)

SNYDER,
ROBERT A.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Robert A. Snyder (OF-103628), Captain
(Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery B, 7th Battalion,
11th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Snyder distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1968 while
serving as a battery commander at a fire support base camp near Nui Ba
Den. Under cover of a barrage of rockets, mortars, rocket-propelled
grenades and automatic weapons, an estimated North Vietnamese regiment
attacked the camp. During the initial barrage, a tank twenty meters to
the battery's front received a direct hit from an enemy
rocket-propelled grenade. Captain Snyder immediately moved through the
fusillade to aid the wounded crew members. Injured by fragments from
an enemy rocket, Captain Snyder refused medical attention as he
evacuated the casualties out of the killing zone to safety. He then
returned to his battery and moved from howitzer to howitzer,
encouraging his men and pointing out targets. During the battle, he
spotted North Vietnamese troops attempting to breach the perimeter. He
again exposed himself to the murderous fire as he killed three of the
hostile soldiers. The following morning Captain Snyder led a squad in
a sweep of the perimeter, capturing four of the aggressors. Captain
Snyder's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5582 (December 3, 1968)

SOPPE, RONALD J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Ronald J. Soppe (US54928149),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division. Specialist Four Soppe distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 11 September 1968 while serving as a medical
aidman during an enemy assault on the Ben Cui rubber plantation. His
company was attacked at its night logger location by an estimated
enemy battalion. Specialist Soppe immediately began moving from
position to position under the aggressors' barrage of antitank rocket,
machine gun and small arms fire, searching for casualties and
administering first aid. When a nearby armored vehicle was set on fire
by a direct hit, he ran to the track and quickly extinguished the
blaze. Attempting to reach an injured comrade, he was severely wounded
in the arm by fragments from an enemy rocket. Disregarding his own
welfare, he continued on to the wounded man, treated him and carried
him to a safe position. Despite his painful wound, Specialist Soppe
constantly exposed himself to hostile fire as he went to the aid of
six other injured soldiers. Alter the battle, he helped load the
wounded on a helicopter and remained behind in case of a second
assault. Specialist Four Soppe's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5845 (December 26, 1968)
Home Town: West Union, Iowa

*SOSA,
ARISTIDESCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Aristides Sosa
(US52758743), Corporal [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company A, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry
Division. Corporal Sosa distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 2 March 1968. On this date, Corporal Sosa was part
of a four-man engineer team accompanying an infantry unit on a
reconnaissance-in-force operation in the vicinity of Lai Theiu when
the friendly force came under attack from Claymore mines, automatic
weapons and small arms fire. Moments after he had reached cover in a
ditch, there was a devastating explosion nearby and he was painfully
wounded. As one of his comrades crawled to his position to offer
assistance, an enemy grenade was detected flying through the air
toward Corporal Sosa's position. As the grenade landed and began
rolling toward his comrade, Corporal Sosa rolled on top of the grenade
to save the soldier from its blast and was mortally wounded by the
exploding grenade. His courageous actions in complete disregard for
his own safety were responsible for saving the life of his comrade.
Corporal Sosa's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 80 (December 16, 1968)
Home Town: New York, New York

*SOWELL,
RONALDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Ronald Sowell
(165-40-7520), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with
Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Sowell distinguished himself on 24 October 1969 while
serving as a medic during an airmobile operation. On this date his
company came under intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy force
in a well-fortified bunker complex. the friendly element assaulted the
hostile emplacements three times, attempting to rout the enemy from
their positions. During the final assault the third platoon suffered
numerous casualties and Specialist Sowell began to maneuver through
the hostile fusillade to their aid. He crawled to within five feet of
an enemy bunker to treat a wounded comrade and then carried him to the
relative safety of the friendly defensive lines where he insured the
casualty would receive treatment. Again he returned through the hail
of enemy rounds to help another wounded soldier and while evacuating
him Specialist Sowell was seriously wounded by rifle fire. After
bringing his fellow soldier to safety, he received medical attention
but refused evacuation. Despite the withering volley of fire, he again
advanced to within five feet of an occupied bunker to administer aid
to another wounded man. As he was carrying the soldier back to cover
behind the perimeter, Specialist Sowell was shot again and fatally
wounded. He managed to drag his comrade to cover before succumbing.
His courage and devotion to duty at the sacrifice of his own life
saved the lives of two of his comrades. Specialist Four Sowell's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4390 (December 6, 1969)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SPACKMAN, PHILIP L.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Philip L. Spackman, First Lieutenant
(Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop E, 1st Cavalry
Regiment, Americal Division. First Lieutenant Spackman distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 July 1969 while serving
as platoon leader during a unit patrol operation in the Rice Bowl
district near An Lao. As the lead armored personnel carrier crossed a
stream and penetrated a hedgerow, it was struck simultaneously be
several rocket grenades, wounding all the occupants. A hostile force
of North Vietnamese began moving down the stream bed to cut off the
damaged vehicle from the rest of the troop. Lieutenant Spackman
immediately killed the nearest enemy soldier and repelled the rest of
the assailants. While reinforcements secured the river crossing, he
dashed to the vehicle through strafing automatic weapons fire and
removed the casualties from exposure to direct fire. Then he and the
less severely wounded carried the injured across the stream. Deploying
the other vehicles along the river bank to engage the hostile
positions beyond the hedgerow, he directed their firing as well as
that of the gunships which had arrived. He also established
communication with and assisted the commander of an Infantry element
that had been airlifted near the enemy force. When the infantrymen
began advancing on the communists' flank, Lieutenant Spackman
maneuvered his armored personnel carriers on line and rolled toward
the enemy positions. Encountering stiff resistance from one bunker, he
directed his driver to rush the position. Firing from atop his tracked
vehicle, Lieutenant Spackman pinned the enemy down until his vehicle
passed by the position into which he threw several grenades, which
destroyed the structure and killed the enemy. With the last bunker
eliminated, the enemy were routed from the area. First Lieutenant
Spackman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3625 (September 25, 1969)

*SPEER, RICHARD MICHAELCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Michael Speer
(263-98-8716), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Speer distinguished himself
while leading a platoon during combat operations in Phuoc Long
Province. Following a brief engagement with an enemy element,
Lieutenant Speer led his platoon in pursuit of the fleeing enemy in
order to maintain contact with them. After a short chase, the
lieutenant noticed several enemy soldiers lying in ambush on the trail
ahead. He immediately placed devastating fire on the enemy while his
platoon took cover. Constantly exposing himself to the enemy return
fire, lieutenant Speer moved among his men, shouting encouragement and
directing their fire. When his radio operator was wounded by the
intensified enemy fire, he administered aid to him. Lieutenant Speer
then directed artillery fire within meters of his position causing the
enemy to flee with heavy casualties. Throughout the battle, he
maintained complete control of the tactical situation until he was
mortally wounded by enemy fire. First Lieutenant Speer's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4069 (August 31, 1970)
Home Town: Plant City, Florida

SPEERS,
MAX DALECitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Max Dale Speers (RA17519203), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-321, Company A,
5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Speers
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21
November, 1966 while serving as Special Forces advisor to an irregular
Vietnamese force during a search and destroy mission near Ben Soi.
Sergeant Speers company was taking night perimeter positions when Viet
Cong launched a mortar, rocket and machine gun attack on the unit,
followed by a human wave assault from all directions. Although he was
knocked to the ground by a mortar explosion early in the barrage, he
grabbed a radio, quickly surveyed the camps defenses and radioed for
air support. He remained exposed to hostile fire continuously while
marking friendly positions with smoke to guide supporting aircraft,
and while directing Vietnamese soldiers into better positions to repel
the enemy attacks. As the situation became more desperate, he called
in aerial ordnance on top of his own position because the Viet Cong
had pressed so close to him, cutting him off from his troops. When a
nearby companion was wounded, Sergeant Speers gave him first aid and
dragged him to temporary safety. The insurgents continued their
advance, so he directed aircraft to fire directly behind him as he
dragged the casualty to a woodline. He joined the rest of his men,
placed them into a defensive perimeter around a landing zone, and
called for ammunition supply and medical evacuation helicopters.
Without an interpreter, and under constant, intense fire, Sergeant
Speers personally controlled the Vietnamese soldiers defending the
landing zone until helicopters arrived with reinforcements and
ammunition. His company was vastly outnumbered, but the remained calm
through out the critical battle and retained control of the situation.
By his courageous leadership, he saved his company and dealt the
insurgents heavy losses. Sergeant Speers extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3683 (July 20, 1967)

SPENCE, RICHARD G.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Richard G. Spence, Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry,
4th Infantry Division. Sergeant Spence distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1969 while serving as squad
leader. As his company was moving through the hills west of Kontum, a
North Vietnamese force opened fire with rockets, mortars and small
arms. Because two of his men were cut off from the rest of the squad
during the initial exchange of fire, Sergeant Spence quickly
maneuvered through the hostile barrage to the isolated men and led
them back to the squad's position. He then called in and adjusted
supporting fire from gunships and artillery. Observing two enemy
soldiers preparing to launch a rocket on his position, he immediately
shot both and then turned to eliminate three who were flanking his
squad's position. On three separate occasions when hostile forces
stormed the element's location, Sergeant Spence met the brunt of the
assault and repelled the assailants with determined volleys of rifle
fire. Crawling forward in order to destroy a bunker and its occupants,
he encountered a wounded comrade whom he carried to safety. When the
enemy initiated an intense mortar barrage, he maneuvered through
enemy-held terrain to silence the mortar emplacement with well-thrown
grenades. Sergeant Spence's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4179 (November 18, 1968)

SPERLING,
RICHARD A.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Richard A. Sperling (0-5535948), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 155th
Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat
Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Sperling
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as aircraft
commander of a helicopter assault mission near Duc Co. As the infantry
was being inserted into a suspected enemy position, all ships in the
lead elements came under heavy fire in the landing zone. Armed
helicopters and bombers were called in but were unsuccessful in
silencing the heavily fortified enemy positions. As Lieutenant
Sperling's element departed the landing zone, one of the helicopters
received an intense burst of enemy automatic weapons fire which
crippled it and caused it to crash. Despite advice not to land again
because of the murderous insurgent fusillade, Lieutenant Sperling
volunteered to attempt a rescue. He touched down in a small clearing
one hundred and fifty meters from the wreckage, departed his aircraft,
and plunged into the enemy-infested jungle. As he moved toward the
downed crew, he was repeatedly subjected to insurgent sniper fire and
mortar explosions. Braving the heavy barrage, he arrived at the
burning aircraft and found that the enemy was rapidly closing on the
crash site. Inspiring the downed crew members by his courage,
Lieutenant Sperling led them back toward his waiting aircraft through
a hail of bullets and shrapnel. He assisted them aboard the ship and
flew out of the jungle clearing just as the enemy penetrated the
surrounding treeline. Lieutenant Sperling's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3212 (July 6, 1968)
Home Town: Macomber, Maryland

SPINAIO, EDWARD W.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Edward W. Spinaio, Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with armed hostile force in the Republic
of Vietnam, while serving with Advisory Team 100, United States
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Spinaio distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 January 1969 while
serving as advisor to a Vietnamese Ranger battalion at Fire Support
Base Dot located five kilometers from the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh
Province. Learning that one company had encountered a North Vietnamese
bunker complex during a sweep operation, Captain Spinaio quickly
organized a relief force and joined the besieged unit. When the
indigenous company commander was wounded by fire from a hostile
bunker, Captain Spinaio single-handedly stormed the fortification and
destroyed it with hand grenades. He then proceeded to move the wounded
to the evacuation point. As the men were being loaded on the
helicopter, two enemy soldiers charged the landing site in an attempt
to damage the aircraft. Captain Spinaio shot both assailants, enabling
the extraction to be completed successfully. Captain Spinaio's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3124 (July 6, 1968)

SPITZ,
JAMES D.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to James D. Spitz, Sergeant First Class,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 187th
Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airborne). Sergeant First Class
Spitz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the
morning of 27 March 1969 at Fire Support Base Jack. When a heavy
concentration of hostile mortar fire began to pound the base, Sergeant
Spitz dashed to his mortar section and began supervising the firing of
high-explosive and illumination rounds. As the incoming barrage
slackened and the enemy initiated a ground assault, he moved along the
perimeter bunker line to direct the defense. While making his way
through the fusillade of enemy rocket grenades, he encountered four
communists storming the berm. Sergeant Spitz immediately charged the
four enemy soldiers and drove them back. Before the hostile force
could obtain reinforcements and attempt another assault, Sergeant
Spitz regrouped the men along that section of the perimeter. Six of
the enemy returned with satchel charges and rocket-propelled grenades,
but Sergeant Spits' intrepid counterattack drove them back once more.
While gunships riddled the area outside the berm, Sergeant Spitz
directed his attention to the M-42 self-propelled gun crew's tent
which had been struck by enemy fire. He rushed to help remove the
wounded and then assisted in firing the M-42 gun at the charging
enemy. Sergeant First Class Spitz's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3399 (September 4, 1969)

*SPRINGER,
CHARLES A.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles A. Springer
(0-5318092), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company B, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division. Captain Springer distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 12 November 1967 while serving as commander of an
infantry company conducting a search and destroy operation deep in
enemy controlled territory. As the company moved through a clearing
late in the afternoon, it suddenly received savage automatic weapons
fire from a Viet Cong force occupying well fortified positions in a
nearby tree line. Fire from a well-emplaced machine gun pinned the
unit down. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain
Springer charged across the bullet-swept terrain toward the enemy
bunker complex. Throwing grenades into the Viet Cong machine gun
position, he single-handedly destroyed it, killing two insurgents and
capturing the machine gun and a rifle. Throughout the ensuing battle,
he courageously directed his company's retaliatory fire, while
continually exposed to a hail of hostile bullets. When the enemy had
been routed, Captain Springer reorganized his men and directed them
toward another objective. The company had moved only two hundred
meters when intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire erupted
from both flanks, again pinning the unit down. With bullets striking
all around him, Captain Springer rushed to his forward element,
regrouped the men, and directed their defensive fires. He was mortally
wounded during this savage fight to repel the enemy. His unhesitating
actions and personal bravery, in close combat, inspired his troops to
succeed in overcoming and destroying the numerically superior
insurgent force. Captain Springer's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 6637 (December 27, 1967)
Home Town: Memphis, Tennessee

*SPROULE,
WILLIAM C., JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William C. Sproule, Jr.
(0-5338726), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company B, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade. First Lieutenant Sproule distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 10 May 1968 as a platoon leader of
an airborne infantry company conducting a combat operation. His
platoon made heavy contact with a large North Vietnamese force. During
the assault on the enemy, Lieutenant Sproule moved out ahead of his
men to fire more accurately on the insurgents and to adjust supporting
artillery fire. As he advanced, he was hit in the chest by a burst of
enemy automatic rifle fire. Ignoring his wounds, he moved to his point
man who had been pinned down during the initial exchange of fire.
Lieutenant Sproule provided covering fire for the man as he crawled
back to join the rest of the platoon. He then adjusted artillery fire
on the North Vietnamese positions, bringing it so close to his own
location that he was wounded several times by the shrapnel. An enemy
machine gun to his front began placing deadly fire on his platoon, and
he attempted to direct the artillery on the emplacement to destroy it.
This couldn't be accomplished without moving his platoon back. Rather
than risk more casualties to his troops in a withdrawal, Lieutenant
Sproule assaulted the position alone. He charged to within five meters
of the gun, firing on the enemy the entire way, before he was mortally
wounded by a burst of heavy fire from the weapon. First Lieutenant
Sproule's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3685 (August 1, 1968)
Home Town: Folcroft, Pennsylvania

*SQUIRES, DAVID RAYCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to David Ray Squires
(US52647587), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry,
1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Squires
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 June 1968
While serving as a medic during a search and clear operation in Dinh
Tuong Province. Although his own unit was assigned to base camp
security and not committed to battle, Specialist Squires volunteered
to aid another battalion which was in contact with the Viet Cong and
receiving many casualties. He was flown by helicopter to an area of
fierce fighting. once on the ground, Specialist Squires constantly
exposed himself for a period of three hours to the aggressors' heavy
automatic, rocket and small arms fire to administer first aid and
assist in carrying wounded men to safe evacuation points. Informed
that a casualty lay exposed to the hostile fusillade only twenty-five
meters from a communist bunker, he went sixty meters beyond the front
line to reach the man. As he bandaged his injured comrade, he was
mortally wounded by enemy fire. his courage and professional treatment
saved many lives and contributed greatly to his fellow soldiers'
moral. Specialist Five Squires' extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5037 (October 31, 1968)
Home Town: Louisville, Kentucky

STAHL, LEONARD C.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Leonard C. Stahl (0-5324855), Second
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as American
Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 14th Regiment, Army of the Republic of
Vietnam. On 25 March 1966, Lieutenant Stahl, while serving as
battalion advisor, was accompanying the unit on a mission to secure an
outpost that was under construction. When the lead elements of the
battalion made sudden unexpected contact with a reinforced Viet Cong
company, Lieutenant Stahl, disregarding his own personal safety, moved
forward rapidly under intense automatic and small arms fire to
ascertain locations and dispositions of the Viet Cong forces. In so
doing, he came in direct contact with a Viet Dong squad, killed three
immediately, seriously wounding one, and captured another, while the
remaining Viet Cong hastily retreated. When he ran out of ammunition,
Lieutenant Stahl took ammunition from nearby Vietnamese soldiers who
had moved forward to investigate the encounter and he then returned
through intense automatic weapons fire being received from the flank
to search for his assistant who was missing. After finding him
seriously wounded, Lieutenant Stahl without hesitation carried the
wounded man across 300 meters of open rice fields being swept with
deadly machine gun fire. Lieutenant Stahl then voluntarily returned to
the front where he could effectively direct artillery and armed
helicopter fire into the prepared hostile positions. Lieutenant
Stahl's courageous actions not only saved the life of his assistant
but permitted the battalion to successfully accomplish its mission.
Second Lieutenant Stahl's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 207 (August 26, 1966)

*STAHL, PHILLIP THOMAS (MIA)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Phillip Thomas Stahl
(RA12638984), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special
Forces. During the period 9 and 10 March 1966, Special forces
Detachment A-102 was attacked by two Viet Cong regiments at Camp A
Shau, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 March 1966, Specialist
Stahl, the team medic, took his position on the camp's south wall. The
insurgents began the attack with mortar and small arms fire inflicting
heavy casualties on the friendly forces. With complete disregard for
his own personal safety, Specialist Stahl exposed himself to drag the
wounded from the open to areas of safety in order that he might treat
their wounds. He was constantly running from position to position
giving medical aid to the wounded. While doing this, he received two
painful wounds, one in his left forearm, partially paralyzing his
hand, and the other in his right leg. Despite these wounds he again
braved the intense fire to rescue several Americans lying wounded in
the center of the camp. Through the remainder of the day he continued
in giving medical aid to the wounded while paying little attention to
his own painful wounds, and also helped in the evacuation of his
comrades while refusing to be evacuated himself. On the morning of 10
March 1966, the Viet Cong launched another regimental sized infantry
assault. Personally manning a machine gun, he killed numerous
insurgents as they threw wave after wave against Specialist Stahl's
position. His find example of courage helped the defenders stall the
Viet Cong main assault. Once more the insurgents mounted a full scale
assault and Specialist Stahl returned to his position to continue
firing the machine gun until the barrel glowed red hot. He resisted
the onslaught by killing scores of attackers. As the insurgents moved
within grenade range, Specialist Stahl was mortally wounded.
Specialist Five Stahl's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at
the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 163 (July 18, 1966)
Home Town: Pompano Beach, Florida

STARK,
PETER M.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Peter M. Stark (RA13831603), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-362, Company A,
5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Stark
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January
1968 as medic of a Special Forces patrol on a combat mission in Tay
Ninh Province. Shortly after infiltration into the area of operations,
the team located vacated enemy bunkers, huts and a base camp. The
patrol found a storage area showing signs of recent use, and deployed
along a trail to ambush Viet Cong elements that might approach it.
Three enemy soldiers moved into the trap and one was taken prisoner.
Sergeant Stark immediately treated the man for wounds he suffered in
the ambush. The team then came under attack from an unknown size enemy
force and moved toward a helicopter landing zone for extraction.
Sergeant Stark repeatedly halted under the intense enemy fire to
administer lifesaving treatment to the prisoner. He and the prisoner
were among the first to be loaded aboard the rescue helicopter. As the
pilot readied for takeoff, the ship was hit by a devastating barrage
of rocket grenades, machine gun and automatic weapons fire. The craft
became airborne but crashed thirty meters from the landing zone.
Sergeant Stark had had both legs severed by the exploding rocket
grenades. Completely disregarding his painful wounds, he crawled
across the crash site to treat a severely injured comrade. When
another soldier came to his aid, Sergeant Stark directed the man to
treat the casualty while applying tourniquets to his own legs. He
refused to be pulled out of the line of continuing enemy fire until
the other wounded were moved to safety. Sergeant Stark's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2681 (June 4, 1968)

STARR, WILLIAM J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Starr, Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 62st
Infantry, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry (Mechanized). Captain Starr
distinguished himself while commanding a mechanized infantry company
during a battalion sized reconnaissance-in-force operation just south
of the Demilitarized Zone in northern I Corps Tactical Zone. As the
friendly force was sweeping through a valley near the village of Cam
Lo, it became engaged in fighting with elements of the 27th North
Vietnamese Army Regiment. In the initial movement to contact, the
First Platoon of Captain Starr's company was surrounded by enemy
troops and pinned down by a heavy concentration of rocket propelled
grenades and automatic weapons fire. Captain Starr quickly assembled a
reaction force and led it in a rapid counter assault over some hundred
meters of terrain swept by grenade and small arms fire. As he
attempted to maneuver his relief force on the flank of the enemy's
fortified gun emplacements, Captain Starr and his men were suddenly
caught in an ambush of enemy grenades. When one grenade landed in the
foxhole in which he and several comrades took cover, Captain Starr
immediately scooped up the explosive device and attempted to throw it
away, but before he could get the grenade off, the device exploded,
severing his hand and part of his arm. Captain Starr's body absorbed
the entire force of the blast, preventing any injury to the men who
were with him. Captain Starr's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1342 (May 22, 1970)

STEELEY, NOBLE L.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Noble L. Steeley (US55987783),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A,
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
Specialist Four Steeley distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 20 August 1968 while serving as a helicopter door
gunner on a combat mission near Quang Tri. When several attempts to
evacuate three wounded soldiers had failed, Specialist Steeley
volunteered to go to their assistance. Inserted under heavy fire less
than twenty meters from the communists, he ran to the men and found
that two were still alive. He placed one of the wounded in the
helicopter, but intense hostile fire forced the ship to leave before
the other injured man could be brought aboard. Refusing to re-enter
the helicopter, Specialist Steeley stayed with the remaining wounded
man for an hour and forty-five minutes, while under continuous fire
from positions as close as fifteen feet. During this time he directed
helicopter gunships to the enemy positions and before a ground unit
finally reached him, he had killed six of the aggressors. Specialist
Four Steeley's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5770 (December 18, 1968)

STEFFENSEN, DENNIS C.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Dennis C. Steffensen (RA16923459),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company
A, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
Private First Class Steffensen distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 16 February 1968 while serving with an infantry
unit conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Tay Ninh. His
company was attacked by an estimated Viet Cong battalion firing from
well fortified positions. Seeking cover behind a nearby brick wall,
Private Steffensen delivered intense suppressive fire on the
insurgents while an assault was organized. During two successive
assaults on the enemy positions, the Viet Cong inflicted heavy
casualties to the friendly troops, causing them to withdraw and
regroup. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private Steffensen
charged the enemy emplacements a third time, and, despite the rocket
and automatic weapons fire directed toward him, he silenced one of the
bunkers. He then began carrying the wounded from the battlefield to
cover, continually exposing himself to enemy fire. Moments after he
had retrieved the last casualty, a rocket struck one of the armored
vehicles supporting the operation, and he was wounded by shrapnel from
the explosion. Disregarding his painful wounds, he rushed to aid his
comrades, pulling them from the damaged vehicle to safety and treating
their injuries. Private First Class Steffensen's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3184 (July 4, 1968)

*STEIMEL, GREGG FRANCISCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gregg Francis Steimel
(513-56-6634), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company C, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Specialist Four Steimel distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 31 July 1970 while serving as a machine gunner
during combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. As Specialist Steimel's
unit advanced through the thick jungle undergrowth, they were
contacted by a large well entrenched enemy force firing automatic
weapons and command detonated mines. The initial enemy onslaught
wounded approximately forty per cent of the allied force and created
temporary disorientation. Without hesitation, Specialist Steimel ran
into the enemy fire spraying the hostile positions with intense
machine gun fire. Although seriously wounded as he advanced, he
remained in his forward position and continued his devastating fire to
allow his comrades to evacuate the wounded allied soldiers. After the
wounded had been evacuated to rear positions, the specialist again ran
through the fire swept contact area to retrieve the weapons that the
friendly casualties had left behind. As he performed this final
action, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four
Steimel's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4864 (October 16, 1970)
Home Town: Wright, Kansas

*STEINBERG, GEORGE CHARLESCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to George Charles Steinberg
(0-5531785), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 April 1966,
First Lieutenant Steinberg, a member of Company C, 2d Battalion, 16th
Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, was in command of the 4th Platoon on
a search and destroy mission when at approximately 1700 hours a Viet
Cong battalion attempted to encircle Company C. The 4th Platoon was
ordered to breach the encirclement. The initial break-out met with an
impenetrable barrage of machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire which
killed the point man instantly, and severely wounded Lieutenant
Steinberg in the arm. In the face of very intensive Viet Cong fire,
Lieutenant Steinberg ran forward and reclaimed the soldier's weapon
and equipment to prevent their falling into the hands of the
insurgents. While doing this, he discovered the location of a Viet
Cong machine gun. Alone and with complete disregard for his own
safety, and defying the withering insurgent fire, he charged the
machine gun position and placed accurate fire on the insurgents'
position. He annihilated the crew and destroyed the weapon. Lieutenant
Steinberg then returned to the perimeter, received hasty first aid for
his shattered arm and began reorganizing the defense of his sector.
Shortly thereafter, the 4th Platoon was struck by two fanatical Viet
Cong assaults, increasing the casualties at an alarming rate.
Nevertheless, Lieutenant Steinberg moved from position to position,
readjusting his perimeter, encouraging his men, fighting savagely to
beat back the waves of insurgents which closed in at point-blank
range. Lieutenant Steinberg faced the insurgents with only twelve men,
some of these already wounded. When it appeared that they were
numerically outnumbered, Lieutenant Steinberg charged straight into
the oncoming force, tossing riot control grenades into their midst.
The Viet Cong trained their fire on him, striking him again and again.
Before he fell, he had thrown six grenades which completely disrupted
the Viet Cong's main effort to overwhelm the company. First Lieutenant
Steinberg's extraordinary heroism, gallantry in action, and supreme
sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 191 (August 18, 1966)
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

*STEINER, MARK STEPHENCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Mark Stephen Steiner
(0-5433916), Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry
Division. Second Lieutenant Steiner distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968 while serving as an
artillery forward observer on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near
Tan Tru, Long An Province. The point element of Lieutenant Steiner's
platoon suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a
bunker hidden in a woodline, and several men were wounded by the
initial volley. Realizing that artillery support might be needed,
Lieutenant Steiner moved forward through the withering enemy barrage
and discovered that two casualties and the medic who was treating them
were completely unprotected. He immediately secured a grenade launcher
and began applying suppressive fire while maneuvering towards the
aggressors. Inspired by his courage, a machine gun crew joined him as
he advanced to within a few feet of the hostile stronghold. Further
exposing himself to the communists' fusillade, Lieutenant Steiner
attempted to fire his pistol into the bunker and, when the weapon
failed to fire, hurled a grenade into the structure's gun port which
killed the enemy within. Fire then erupted from a previously
undetected bunker located behind him, killing two men. Realizing that
his comrades were in grave danger, Lieutenant Steiner turned and
opened fire on the second emplacement to enable the others to reach
cover. As he fearlessly engaged the enemy, he was mortally wounded by
hostile fire. Second Lieutenant Steiner's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty, at the cost of his life were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 713 (February 28, 1969)
Home Town: Ogden, Utah

STEINMAN, JACKIE W.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Jackie W. Steinman, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion,
60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Steinman
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 May 1969
while serving as team leader during a reconnaissance-in-force
operation near Thu Thua in Long An Province. As the members of his
unit swept through a defense nipa palm grove, they ran on to a
concealed bunker complex and were pinned down by hostile automatic
weapons fire only ten meters from the enemy. Specialist Steinman
assaulted a machine gun emplacement to his immediate front and
eliminated it with hand grenades. Then, showering the fortifications
around him with the last of his grenades, he secured the enemy machine
gun and returned to his platoon's position. After obtaining more
ammunition, he began maneuvering toward a member of his squad who lay
isolated behind a hostile position. Slowly crawling to the rear of the
nearest bunker, he destroyed the position with a grenade. At that
moment he spotted a North Vietnamese soldier approaching the American.
Specialist Steinman quickly fired his rifle killing the aggressor and
laid an intense barrage of fire to cover his squad member's
withdrawal. Noticing one last enemy bunker, Specialist Steinman worked
his way to an advantageous position and opened fire. When his weapon
jammed, he threw his remaining grenades. As he moved toward his
platoon, he encountered a wounded American. Using the casualty's
rifle, he provided suppressive fire until an ambulance helicopter
arrived to evacuate the wounded soldier. Specialist Four Steinman's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3594 (September 22, 1969)

STEPHENS, RUFUSCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Rufus Stephens (0-5321191), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1966, First
Lieutenant Stephens was serving as Executive Officer, Company B, 2d
Battalion, 5th Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division. He
was accompanying the 3d Platoon in screening the high ground to
company B's flank. As the main force entered the Song Bien Valley,
they were engaged by a Viet Cong force estimated to be a reinforced
heavy weapons battalion which forced them to take defensive positions
in three large bomb craters in the valley floor. The 3d Platoon in
spite of being at a numerical disadvantage, launched an attack at the
Viet Cong perimeter trying desperately to help the friendly defenders.
As they came to within 100 meters of the company, they came under a
heavy barrage of machine gun fire which seriously wounded the platoon
leader. Lieutenant Stephens immediately took charge and began
regrouping the platoon to prevent their positions from being overrun.
Without regard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself to the
continuous machine gun fire in order to direct the medical evacuation
crafts to his location. After successfully evacuating the wounded, he
returned to his platoon and readied his men for an attempt to join the
besieged company. The first attempt was unsuccessful. The volume of
fire was increasing all the time and caused Company B to lose contact
with outside fire support. Noting the problem, Lieutenant Stephens
again braved the hostile fire in order to get to a position from which
he could better control the oncoming fire support for the friendly
defenders. He was wounded in the arm but refused medical attention to
that he could continue controlling fire support against the insurgent
attackers. Realizing that one of the friendly aircraft was preparing
for a bomb-run that would endanger the friendly positions, Lieutenant
Stephens once again braved the barrage of insurgent fire and waved off
the plane averting certain disaster for the friendly defenders. By
increasing the rate of fire, a rifle company was able to air-assault
into Lieutenant Stephens' position and by joining forces they were
able to make contact with the besieged company. By directing close-in
tactical air strikes at the insurgents, the attacks were stopped.
Lieutenant Stephens' sustained performance during this period of
actual combat was a source of inspiration to the men of the 3d
Platoon. First Lieutenant Stephens' extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 176 (July 29, 1966)

*STEVENS, FORESTAL ALONZOCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Forestal Alonzo Stevens
(RA11667415), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Detachment A-551, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special
Forces. Specialist Five Stevens distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as the platoon leader of a Mobile
Strike Force company which was on a reinforcing mission at Camp Duc
Lap. During an assault to drive elements of a North Vietnamese Army
battalion from the hilltop camp, his unit came under heavy automatic
weapons fire. Specialist Stevens moved to the front of his troops and
led a fierce attack on the enemy positions, successfully overrunning
them. Finding that a sister company was pinned down by fire from a
North Vietnamese bunker, he next single-handedly assaulted the hostile
emplacement and destroyed it and its occupants with grenades and rifle
fire. Specialist Stevens continued to advance, directing his men's
maneuver and helping remove the wounded from the battlefield while
under a withering enemy fusillade. When his platoon reached the top of
the hill it came under fire from another enemy bunker. Ordering his
men to remain in position, Specialist Stevens fearlessly charged the
fortification, killing two North Vietnamese inside it and wounding the
third occupant. As he regrouped his unit for another assault, he was
fatally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Specialist Five Stevens'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4450 (September 23, 1968)
Home Town: Doylestown, Ohio

STEVENSON, ROBERT D.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Robert D. Stevenson (0-70515),
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1967 while commanding the
2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry during an engagement with a large enemy
force near Phu Ninh. Throughout the afternoon of the battle, he
dauntlessly exposed himself to intense ground fire to direct the
action from his command and control helicopter. Even after the
aircraft sustained several hits, Colonel Stevenson continued to fly at
low altitude over the ravaged area to ensure mission accomplishment.
When one of his company commanders was killed and the situation
rapidly deteriorated, he disregarded the mounting dangers and landed
amidst a hail of hostile fire. Colonel Stevenson fearlessly moved
about the battlefield, and comforted the casualties and shouted
encouragement to the troops. As darkness fell, he consolidated the
company perimeter and directed the collection of dead and wounded at a
central point. Throughout the night, he commanded the battalion from
his forward position and called for supporting fires and illumination
devices which enabled the medevac aircraft to extract the wounded.
Only when a new company commander was brought in the following morning
did Colonel Stevenson leave the battle area. His great presence of
mind and courageous example during the entire engagement saved many
lives and were an immeasurable inspiration to his men as they repulsed
the insurgent attack. Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2791 (June 10, 1967)

STEWART, HARVEY E.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Harvey E. Stewart (0-79489), Major
(Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam. After an attack which took place at
approximately 0100 hours, 10 June 1965, the Vietnamese hamlet of Don
Xoai was over-run by a Viet Cong force of approximately regimental
size and a nearby military compound was being subjected to a heavy
barrage of insurgent fire. At approximately 1215 hours, after several
attempts to reinforce the besieged compound had failed, plans were
initiated to evacuate the several Americans and Vietnamese who were
holding the position. Major Stewart volunteered to lead three unarmed
rescue helicopters and retrieve the besieged members from their
embattled position. Armed helicopter escort was provided to assist
Major Stewart's group in their rescue attempt. Upon reaching the
battle site, all evacuation helicopters were subjected to a heavy
volume of hostile fire and each received hits from the insurgent
barrage. Realizing the fate of the gallant defenders, Major Stewart
with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the other
aircraft and maneuvered his helicopter through the thick hail of
hostile fire to a perfect landing next to the besieged group within
the compound. While on the ground, despite intense hostile fire being
directed at them, Major Stewart and his crews set up defensive firing
positions and directed the loading of the evacuation aircraft. During
the operation, one of the rescue helicopters received direct hits and
was badly damaged and grounded. Major Stewart then expertly piloted
his heavily overloaded and damaged craft once again through the heavy
concentration of insurgent small arms and automatic weapons fire and
notwithstanding the murderous barrage, successfully effected the safe
evacuation of personnel from the besieged compound. Major Stewart's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Pacific,
General Orders No. 311 (October 22, 1965)

*STEWART, SAMUEL R., IIICitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Samuel R. Stewart, III
(0-5220757), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Advisory Team 70, 5th Infantry Division Advisory Detachment, United
States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Stewart
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January
1968 as staff advisor to a Vietnamese regiment during an enemy attack
on its headquarters compound at Ben Cat. During the early morning
hours, a large Viet Cong force, armed with rockets, mortars, automatic
weapons and flamethrowers, unleashed a furious assault on the
installation and overran its perimeter bunker line. Captain Stewart
went to the immediate defense of the communications bunker and raked
the attackers with automatic rifle fire from its firing port. An enemy
rocket exploded in the firing port and partially destroyed the
position. The weapons of other personnel in the bunker were lost in
the debris, but Captain Stewart, although seriously wounded by the
blast, immediately began to fire again. When his rifle jammed, he
fearlessly raced through a withering hail of hostile fire and acquired
additional weapons from the advisory team's quarters. Returning to the
position, Captain Stewart placed deadly fire on the insurgents at
close range from a sandbag barrier behind the wrecked bunker. A
Vietnamese woman and her four children approached his position, and he
quickly guided them to safety and then continued firing. Braving an
intense barrage of rockets and grenades directed at him, Captain
Stewart fought fiercely from his exposed position, killing at least
three assaulting Viet Cong and preventing many more enemy from
entering the compound. He was rendered unconscious by a critical
second wound while gallantly defending fellow soldiers and civilians
against a determined enemy force. Captain Stewart's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1568 (April 8, 1968)
Home Town: Miami, Florida

*STIGALL, ARTHUR DONALDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur Donald Stigall
(0-69805), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry,
1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Stigall distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 November 1967 while
leading two of his infantry companies on a search and destroy mission
near Loc Ninh. Moving through an abandoned rubber plantation, his
entire force was suddenly subjected to intensely savage claymore,
small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior
Viet Cong force. Both companies sustained heavy casualties in the
initial moments of the attack by the well-concealed enemy. Colonel
Stigall positioned his command post between the two companies and
established maximum control of the defensive actions of his troops.
His position was then subjected to vicious Viet Cong fire and he was
shot through the knee. Courageously ignoring his wound he initiated
skillful, determined counter-fire against the enemy. When he received
word that one of his company commanders had been wounded, he
immediately assumed the direction of that company by radio. Enemy fire
destroyed his radio and he repeatedly exposed himself to the ravaging
hostile fire to direct his troops by voice as he searched for another
radio. An exploding Viet Cong rocket knocked him to the ground. He
again stood up in the deadly hail of fire, and when he saw a radio
operator nearby, he ran toward his position, firing at the advancing
enemy with his pistol until he received a mortal wound. His continual
display of courage and determination was responsible for his men's
coordinated and effective reaction to the insurgent attack and
undoubtedly saved many of his comrades' lives. Lieutenant Colonel
Stigall's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 6216 (December 2, 1967)
Home Town: Chase, Louisiana

*STOFLET, MICHAEL HOWARDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Michael Howard Stoflet
(55857498), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private
First Class Stoflet distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 1 November 1966, while his unit was being airlifted to
reinforce a besieged American unit. As his platoon proceeded north
from the landing zone to assist the friendly unit, it came under
intense automatic weapons fire from several fortified Viet Cong
bunkers. Private First Class Stoflet's squad continued to advance
until it was pinned down approximately 75 meters short of the hostile
positions. Realizing the perilous position his comrades were in, he
dauntlessly began a one-man assault on the insurgent emplacement.
Despite the murderous volume of fire directed at him, Private First
Class Stoflet succeeded in safely reaching the bunker, and immediately
found an opening through which he could get inside. His first attempt
to secure the position was nearly fatal, as a burst of automatic
weapons fire sent him reeling backwards with a slight head wound.
Momentarily stunned, Private First Class Stoflet again disregard his
safety to vault back into the small opening. In this courageous effort
to overcome the enemy, he was mortally wounded. His unimpeachable
valor in the face of overwhelming odds enabled the platoon to overrun
the Viet Cong position and accomplish its mission. Private First Class
Stoflet's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 676 (February 15, 1967)
Born: June 11, 1945 at Burlington, Wisconsin
Home Town: Elkhorn, Wisconsin

*STONE, BYRON CLARKCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Byron Clark Stone
(0-91522), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the
United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Stone
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 August
1964 while serving as an advisor to the 41st Ranger Battalion, Army of
the Republic of Vietnam, when the friendly forces were suddenly
ambushed by hostile elements. Undaunted by the extremely heavy enemy
gun fire, Captain Stone completely disregarded his own personal safety
and bravely exposed himself to the full force of the violent enemy
attack to cover the withdrawal of the friendly troops. During the
ensuing battle in which the enemy launched several vicious assaults,
he remained in an exposed position to defend the friendly units and
repel the enemy. Although the intensity of the enemy gun fire
increased, he demonstrated fortitude and perseverance by holding his
position for 1 hour and 40 minutes while annihilating a great number
of enemy troops. Despite the overwhelming onslaught, he covered the
withdrawal of the friendly forces with outstanding effectiveness and
continued his courageous efforts until mortally wounded. Captain
Stone's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his
life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 2 (February 5, 1965)
Home Town: Houston, Texas

*STONE,
JAMES MARVINCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Marvin Stone
(0-5329842), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company C, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). First Lieutenant Stone distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 7 January 1968 as commanding officer
of an airmobile infantry company on a search and destroy operation in
the Que Son Valley. A sister unit had become heavily engaged in combat
with a North Vietnamese Army battalion, and Lieutenant Stone led his
men to reinforce the beleaguered troops. His company was savagely
attacked with mortars and encircled by the enemy. He then directed
maneuver elements of his unit to link up with an enveloped platoon of
the second company while he led a furious assault against the
numerically superior enemy. His slashing attack momentarily
disorganized the hostile force and enabled the trapped platoon to move
from its untenable position. As the enemy fusillade increased,
Lieutenant Stone joined forces with the sister unit's main body,
deploying his men in abandoned trenches and directed devastating
return fire on the attackers. As the intensity of the fight increased,
it became necessary for the friendly force to break out of the enemy
encirclement or face possible annihilation. Fully exposing himself to
a withering hostile barrage, Lieutenant Stone called suppressing
artillery fire against North Vietnamese positions and supervised the
preparation of the wounded for movement. Braving ravaging mortar and
recoilless rifle fire, he then directed his troops' savage assault on
the enemy lines. With bullets striking all around him, he led the
fierce charge along a North Vietnamese trenchline and his men
succeeded in breaking the encirclement. He was mortally wounded while
fearlessly leading his company in close combat against a determined
enemy force. First Lieutenant Stone's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1838 (April 20, 1968)
Home Town: Miami, Florida

*STONE, RAYMOND EDWARD, JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond Edward Stone,
Jr. (0-5339673), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Stone distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 14 December 1967 while serving as
platoon leader of an infantry company conducting a combat mission near
Katum. His platoon suddenly received heavy automatic weapons, small
arms, and recoilless rifle fire from an enemy force of unknown size in
well fortified bunkers in a woodline. Lieutenant Stone immediately
deployed his troops and led a fierce assault on the insurgents.
Fifteen meters into the trees and undergrowth, his platoon encountered
a thick wall of bamboo which concealed the hostile positions. Exposed
to savage and relentless fire, he moved along the wall to an opening
which was a firing lane and spotted two bunkers. Several of his men
lay wounded in the exposed area, and Lieutenant Stone dashed through a
hail of bullets to carry the casualties from the enemy killing zone to
safety. Returning to the position with a recoilless rifle team, he
threw hand grenades and placed a heavy volume of fire on the bunkers
to draw the insurgents' fire until the recoilless rifle could engage
the fortifications. The recoilless rifle received a direct hit from an
enemy rocket round, and Lieutenant Stone and the gun crew were all
wounded. He then called for more grenades to continue his gallant
assault and enable the evacuation of the other casualties. Moving
within ten meters of the hostile emplacements which had his troops
pinned down, he destroyed the bunker with accurately thrown hand
grenades. Just s he threw the last grenade, another enemy position
began firing on him and he was instantly killed. His fearless and
determined actions in close combat saved the lives of many fellow
soldiers. Second Lieutenant Stone's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 699 (February 15, 1968)
Home Town: Reno, Nevada

STOWELL, ROBERT D.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Robert D. Stowell (OF-105042), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop E,
17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). First Lieutenant
Stowell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3
March 1967 while serving as patrol leader during a mission to capture
a prisoner deep in War Zone C. When Lieutenant Stowell's unit
triggered an attack on two insurgents using a heavily traveled Viet
Cong trail, the enemy gathered in increasing numbers, trying to pin
down the patrol and surround it. As the hostile presence grew to squad
strength with several machine guns, Lieutenant Stowell radioed for
gunship support and organized his men for a move to a landing zone.
The patrol members were forced to fight their way to the helicopter
pickup point. He fearlessly remained behind his men and
single-handedly staved off the constant Viet Cong attacks from the
area. When he grouped his men into a tight perimeter for the landing
zone, the enemy force poured an awesome amount of fire onto them.
Lieutenant Stowell appeared contemptuous of the danger, and moved
about fearlessly guiding artillery and air strikes in ever-tightening
circles around his position. When the evacuation helicopter came in,
he again demonstrated his courage and concern for his men by remaining
on the ground until all of his men were on board. Although Lieutenant
Stowell received serious stomach and chest wounds early in the
firefight, his men did not learn of them until they were flying out of
the area. First Lieutenant Stowell's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2321 (May 22, 1967)

*STREET, BRENT ANTHONYCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Brent Anthony Street
(522-76-3300), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company E, 2d Squadron, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). Specialist Four Street distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 1 April 1970 while defending Fire
Support Base Illingsworth against an enemy attack in Tay Ninh
Province. Following an intense barrage of hostile rocket and mortar
fire, the enemy launched an aggressive ground assault on the allied
base camp. Specialist Street immediately manned a fighting position
located on a large berm and engaged the enemy with his rifle and hand
grenades as they approached the base perimeter. As the battle raged
on, the specialist's weapon malfunctioned and his supply of grenades
was exhausted. Refusing to withdraw, the remained on station and
continued to resist the enemy utilizing hand to hand combat. When a
nearby ammunition storage area caught fire, Specialist Street again
refused to withdraw to a more secure position. As he continued his
determined fight against the onrushing enemy, an enemy mortar round
exploded beside Specialist Street, and mortally wounded him.
Specialist Street's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the
cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4467 (September 21, 1970)
Home Town: Inglewood, California

STUART, RICHARDCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Richard Stuart (RA16993948), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion,
22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four
Stuart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18
August 1968 as a perimeter sentry on top of Nui Ba Den Mountain. His
unit came under a heavy mortar and rocket attack, followed by a ground
assault. While fighting off a platoon which charged their bunker,
Specialist Stuart and his companions held their position until they
were wounded by enemy rockets. He immediately gave first aid to two of
the men and then went to get a medic despite the fierce automatic
weapons and small arms fire. Upon leaving his position he spotted an
aggressor who was about to launch a rocket into the bunker, and killed
him with a burst from his rifle. After returning with an aidman to his
beleaguered position, he continued to engage the communists and was
badly wounded in the hand during a subsequent enemy assault. Ignoring
his painful injury, he remained at his station throughout the night
until the hostile forces had been defeated. Specialist Stuart's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 466 (February 10, 1969)

*STURDIVANT,
JASPER DEANCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jasper Dean Sturdivant
(0-5326494), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Sturdivant distinguished himself
by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1966 while leading a
two-squad patrol during a search and destroy near Thang Duc. When his
unit received intense hostile fire from a reinforced Viet Cong
company, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant and many of his men were
seriously wounded. As the insurgent onslaught continued, a portion of
his hasty defense was overrun and the remainder of his force was
surrounded. Despite the severity of his wounds and repeated attacks by
the fanatical Viet Cong, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant rallied his
isolated force, radioed for reinforcements, and continued to direct
and encourage his comrades. Realizing that his force was about to be
overrun, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant, with complete disregard for his
own safety, called artillery onto his own position in an effort to
break the encirclement. He continued to operate the radio and fire his
weapon until his ammunition was expended. Fully aware that he was
critically wounded, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant disassembled his
weapon, placed the bolt under his body, and died. Second Lieutenant
Sturdivant's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost
of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 5894 (October 3, 1966)
Home Town: Lake View Terrace, California

*SWANN, JOHNNY DELBERTCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Johnnny Delbert Swann
(255-70-3394), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company B, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist
Four Swann distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on
5 September 1969 while serving as a team leader during a
reconnaissance operation in Tay Ninh Province. His company was moving
through thick jungle when it came under intense small arms and mortar
barrages from a North Vietnamese force. In the initial contact several
members of the point element were wounded, and the enemy immediately
launched an assault against the weakened position. Realizing the
enemy's tactical plan, Specialist Swann deployed his fire team on line
to meet the assault and to form a defensive perimeter in front of the
two isolated men. Specialist Swann began moving through the dense
underbrush to their aid. With his team providing cover fire, he
reached the wounded point man and carried him through the hostile
fusillade to the safety of the friendly defensive position. After
insuring his wounded comrade received medical treatment, Specialist
Swann returned through the hail of enemy fire and thick foliage to the
injured medic and began carrying him from the exposed area. As
Specialist Swann reached the defensive line of his team, he was
fatally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. Specialist Four Swann's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life,
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4391 (December 6, 1969)
Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia

SWEET,
RICHARD SEARCYCitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Richard Searcy Sweet (0-64671),
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding
Officer of the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 1st
Cavalry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Sweet distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions during the period 3 to 5 February 1968
as a battalion commander defending the city of Hue. Colonel Sweet was
on the ground with his front line troops when the enemy launched an
attack on the city. Positioning himself far forward, he disregarded
the intense North Vietnamese mortar and sniper fire and expertly
directed his forces in an advance toward Hue. His brilliant leadership
enabled all four of his companies to successfully cross a wide open
rice paddy into the city while under a constant enemy fusillade. He
then led his battalion through the first line of enemy resistance, and
by nightfall had succeeded in establishing a tight defensive
perimeter. Under a steady hail of mortar and heavy automatic weapons
fire from three sides, the battalion fiercely fought to retain its
position. Early in the morning of 4 February the perimeter came under
an extremely heavy bombardment and shortly thereafter began receiving
ground attacks by large numbers of North Vietnamese soldiers. The
battalion was soon encircled by a North Vietnamese regiment, and heavy
enemy fire rained on the defenders from all directions. Colonel Sweet
skillfully directed the perimeter defense, personally encouraging his
troops' fight. Following their commander's example, the officers and
men of the battalion fought savagely to repulse the enemy. After dark,
Colonel Sweet devised a plan to deceive the surrounding North
Vietnamese forces and move through their positions to a new location
deeper in their lines of communication. The entire battalion slipped
through the enemy's encirclement without suffering one casualty. Again
Colonel Sweet's example provided the inspiration for his troops and by
daybreak they had successfully occupied commanding terrain deep inside
the enemy's area of operations. Lieutenant Colonel Sweet's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 4158 (August 28, 1968)
Born: May 17, 1929 at Providence, Rhode Island
Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island

*SWOVELAND, WILLIAM ALANCitation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Alan Swoveland
(RA16804215), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Scout
Section Leader with the 2d Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 1st
Cavalry, Americal Division, on 25 August 1968 near Tam Ky, Republic of
Vietnam. Sergeant Swoveland's Troop was heavily engaged with an
estimated North Vietnamese Army Battalion. The Infantry unit working
with his troop was pinned down due to intense fire. Sergeant Swoveland
noticed that several infantrymen were wounded and lying helplessly in
the open. Reacting instinctively, Sergeant Swoveland leaped from his
armored carrier assault vehicle, and charged through the enemy
fusillade to a point within 20 meters of the enemy positions to give
the exposed litter patients aid, and carry them under intense fire, to
safety. Observing several more wounded comrades in exposed positions,
Sergeant Swoveland returned to the forefront to brave the intense
small arms, automatic weapons, and recoilless fire and reach his
wounded comrades. Sergeant Swoveland was fatally wounded during this
selfless act of courage and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His
extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life saved the lives of two
wounded soldiers, and inspired his comrades to eventually annihilate
the numerically superior force. His actions are in the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon
himself, and the Armed Forces.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 36 (June 6, 1969)
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan

SYDNOR, ELLIOT P., JR.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Elliot P. Sydnor, Jr., Lieutenant
Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary gallantry in action
on 21 November 1970. Colonel Sydnor volunteered to command an
all-volunteer raiding force organized to conduct a heliborne assault
in an heroic attempt to rescue United States personnel being held as
prisoners of war at the Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. Colonel
Sydnor displayed outstanding leadership and personal courage as he
personally directed the assault on the compound and the withdrawal of
the entire raiding force. Colonel Sydnor's masterful command and
control of the operation under the most hazardous combat conditions
was exemplary. His keen mind and alertness to the constantly changing
situation enabled him to effectively direct and control the actions of
the joint assault force air and ground elements and maneuver them as
the situation required. In order to maintain the critical control
required over the complex raid operation, Colonel Sydnor
unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself time and time again to
the enemy's small arms and automatic weapons fire. When the withdrawal
began, Colonel Sydnor, with utter disregard for his personal safety,
constantly stood fully exposed in the helicopter landing zone in order
to direct the withdrawal and insure that not one man was unwittingly
left behind. The success of the mission was directly attributed to his
dynamic and fearless leadership and to the heroic example he set for
his officers and men. The degree of his valorous action was further
accentuated by his prior knowledge of the location of the prison
compound--eighteen kilometers from the capital city of North Vietnam.
Knowing full well the enemy forces were armed with automatic weapons
and the target area saturated with enemy installations, high
performance aircraft, and antiaircraft defenses; Colonel Sydnor's
premeditated personal risk, extraordinary heroism against an armed
hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on
him and the United States Army.Department of the Army, General Orders
No. 43 (August 9, 1971)
Home Town: Fernandia Beach, Florida

SYKES, LARRY W.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Larry W. Sykes, Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery A, 8th Battalion, 6th
Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Sykes
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969
while serving as a cannoneer during the defense of Fire Support Base
Gela. In the early morning hours the fire base came under a fierce
rocket and ground attack. When his emplacement sustained several
direct hits which destroyed his howitzer, Private Sykes braved flying
shrapnel to aid a fellow soldier downed by hostile fragmentation.
Seeing that the enemy had now launched a ground assault on the
perimeter, he ran from gun parapet to parapet gathering machine guns
and ammunition. He dashed to the perimeter under heavy fire and
distributed several of the weapons to waiting infantrymen. He himself
took up a position where the hostile fire was heaviest. For nearly
three hours Private Sykes directed friendly fire and steadfastly
resisted enemy attempts to penetrate his sector of the perimeter.
Though suffering painful burns to his hand when replacing the barrel
of his machine gun, he remained at his weapon and shortly afterward
cut down six enemy soldiers in the wire directly to his front. When he
had exhausted his supply of ammunition, he again exposed himself to
the hail of fire to obtain a grenade launcher which he skillfully
employed against further enemy probes. Private First Class Sykes'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3416 (September 7, 1969)

SZYIBACK, CLARENCECitation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross to Clarence Szyiback, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion,
22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Szyiback
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 June 1969
while serving as a radio- telephone operator at Fire Support Base
Crook in Tay Ninh Province. When the base came under intense rocket
and mortar attack, Specialist Szyiback secured his radio and followed
the company commander to the defensive perimeter to observe and report
enemy movements. Exposing himself to the rain of enemy fire, he
assisted in resupplying ammunition to troops in the bunkers. When the
enemy blew gaps in the wire defenses and attempted to breach the
perimeter, he helped organize and lead a reaction force which beat
back the hostile surge. After the battle subsided, he moved with the
command group through the combat area to inspect enemy casualties and
equipment. As the group searched the area, a wounded enemy soldier
threw an anti- tank grenade at the company commander. Specialist
Szyiback unhesitatingly moved in front of the officer, deflected the
armed weapons, and then picked it up and threw it. The grenade
exploded s it left his hand, inflicting severe wounds on him.
Specialist Four Szyiback's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 3421 (1969)